《Infinite System Inheritor Return From The Abyss》 Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Abyss Realm Abyss Realm by its definition, was and that was without feeling of light, revealing ckened mountains jagged and rough towering over cracked ground littered with rubble. Thend had been a mad tumble of stone splinters¡ªshattered skeletal remains, rusting weapons, mouldering flesh. The Abyss stretched minutes into hours, a living hell where maybe faith was a thing of the past. This was a constant fight for survival. Thend was crawling with monsters, each scarier than thest, but none quite like the Abyssal Behemoth. Its great bulk decked out in ck scales etched with luminescent runes, it was an utter horror of the darkness. It was the second most powerful being in the Abyss, and was revered and feared by all. An enormous shadow covered thendscape, cast by the Abyssal Behemoth as it loomed over him. Hundreds of its glowing red eyes red at him With each step, the ground rumbled. Then The Behemoth let out a powerful roar, the earth shook and the sky darkened. Tendrils of dark energy snaked and reached out for him, attempting to crush his being within it. With a smirk, he vanished in a sh of light, reappearing high above the Behemoth''s head. The air around him shimmered, and a huge de of pure energy appeared, glowing in blue me. One of the Abyssal Behemoth''s giant arms swung to bat him out of the air. But with a single motion, he brought the de down, slicing through the Behemoth''s arm as if it were nothing. Dark blood sprayed from the wound, but the Behemoth didn''t slow down. Instead, its arm began to regenerate instantly, with even more dark energy tendrils forming. The Behemoth opened its enormous mouth, gathering a giant sphere of dark energy that sucked in all the light around it. With another roar, it fired the orb straight at him, powerful enough to destroy mountains. He remained calm, extending both hands to summon a glowing barrier of light that intercepted the orb. The impact sent shockwaves through the air but he didnt move. The barrier held strong, with a flick of his wrist, he absorb the orbs energy and sent it back to the abyssal behemothas a beam of pure destruction. The beam punched through the Behemoth''s chest, leaving a massive, smoking hole. The creature staggered, but its eyes red with rage. It roared again, and its body started to change, growingrger and more monstrous, its power rising even higher. He raised his hand to the sky, and the air began to vibrate with energy. The floating rocks above swirled, revealing a vortex of infinite power, energy so great it made the Behemoth''s strength look small. He pointed a finger at the Behemoth. "Disappear." From the vortex, a beam of blinding white light shot down, engulfing the Abyssal Behemothpletely. The creature''s roars were drowned out by the overwhelming force of the attack. The ground beneath it began to crumble, the very air around it warping under the pressure of his power. The light grew brighter until it was impossible to see anything, and then, suddenly, it was gone. Where the Behemoth once stood, there was only a massive crater, thend around it destroyed. The air was still, the dark energy from the creaturepletely wiped out. Ding! [Congrattions Host! You have defeated the Abyssal Behemoth, Right Hand of Abyssal Lord Grimzark!] Rewards: Abyssal Core: A powerful essence infused with dark energy. Can be used to enhance weapons or armor, granting them unparalleled strength. Cape of the Abyssal Veil: A majestic cape woven from the shadows of the abyss. It increases all stats by 70% and grants immunity to dark magic, and increases evasion by 60%. Grimzark''s Fang : A sword forged from the fang of Grimzark himself. It deals 200 base damage with an additional 70% damage against dark-aligned enemies. 100,000 Gold Coins: A hefty reward for your triumph. Use it wisely to fortify your gear and expand your domain. Abyssal Horns: The twisted horns of the Abyssal Behemoth. Can be crafted into a helmet or used as a rare crafting material to create other powerful items. Health Regeneration Congrattion Host! You''ve imed victory over a formidable foe! You have reached level 60500! Now, He sat on the massive chest of the fallen Behemoth, its gigantic body lifeless on the cracked ground. His long white hair, which had naturally been brown before transitioning to this striking white, was tied back in a ponytail. His blue eyes scanned the area with a detached calmness and his body is Refined, Masculine with the right frame a powerful physique that spoke of countless struggles and victories and Around him, lesser monsters scurried in the shadows, too frightened to approach. They knew that anyone capable of defeating the Behemoth was far beyond their reach. In his hand, he held the Behemoth''s core¡ªa dark, swirling orb of raw energy. Without hesitation, he took a bite, but as he chewed, there was no reaction. The core had no effect on him, as if he were eating an ordinary piece of fruit. Just then, a system notification shed before his eyes: Ding! [You have consumed the Abyssal Behemoth''s Core.] [Mana absorption failed. Mana capacity already maximized.] Unfazed, he swallowed the rest of the core. It was no surprise; his mana was already at its peak, beyond the limits of ordinary beings. The Behemoth''s core, which would have been a priceless treasure to others, was useless to him. However, he wasn''t done yet. He extended his hand over where the Behemoth''s died, and with a focused thought, he activated his Soul reaping skill. A faint glow surrounded the area as he drew out its soul, capturing it in a shimmering orb of light. Another notification appeared: Ding! [You have sessfully extracted the soul of the Abyssal Behemoth.] [Soulbinding Archive Updated] Abyssal Behemoth (Level: 60000) Type: Titan Skills: Earthquake Stomp, Abyssal Roar, Void sh Status: Phantom The soul of the Abyssal Behemoth now rested within his Archive, ready to be summoned whenever he needed its immense power. Satisfied. He walked toward his home¡ªa small, simple house in a lonely ce. As he got closer, his guardian Cerberus, a huge three-headed dog with glowing red eyes, greeted him. The beast barked and wagged its tail, happy to see him. He tossed a monster core to Cerberus, and the dog eagerly grabbed it, barking excitedly as it yed with the prize. He entered his small house and went to a wall where he marked another line in his time tally. The wall was full of lines, each showing how long he had lived. "500 years," he muttered, thinking about the time that had passed. In the dim light of his room, he took a piece of meat from his inventory. With a simple thought, he heated the meat in his hand, cooking it quickly. The meat sizzled, enjoying his meal, a familiar blue holographic screen appeared in front of him. [Is the Abyssal Behemoth Meat satisfactory?] "I Still can''t get used to you talking to me like this also the meat is fine." The hologram flickered, as if acknowledging hisment and said, [Memory Box Activated.] The holographic screen changed, showing a lively city scene from the modern world one of his memories. The screen disyed a busy city with tall buildings and busy streets. But what caught his eye was a warm image of a woman in a sunny day hanging clothes. It was his mother. Seeing her face brought himfort. These memories helped him stay sane over the 500 years he had lived. They were a connection to a happier time. The System was always with him, guiding him through the years. He also had a Guardian Cerberus, a powerful and protective creature, to keep himpany. Together, they helped him keep his mind clear and focused. As he watched the screen, he snapped his fingers, and the status screen appeared disying his current status. Host Name: : Han Seojun Age: 18 (518 years old) Level: 60500 ss: Error Title: Supreme Abyss yer, Dragon tamer, Fallen Godyer etc... Health: 100% Mana: Infinite Strength: 309220 Stamina: 300500 Agility: 272000 Skills: Mastered Weapons: Legendary Sword, Shield of Eternity etc... Allies: Huno (Cerberus) Si (Hydra) etc... Han Seojun looked at the screen, showing his impressive level and stats. He was preparing for a major battle against the Abyssal Realm Lord. He needed every bit of his strength and skills for this fight so he closed his eyes leaning in the wall and slowly loss conscioisness 500 years ago before he was summoned... In Seoul, Korea, Year 2062, the city is lively and peaceful. The streets are busy, but calm. Students walk around, talking and enjoying themselves, while others run or jog. People walk their dogs along clean paths. The city feels friendly and modern, with a nice, rxed vibe. Inside a old traditional house Han Seojun stood in front of the mirror, smiling at his reflection. He adjusted his tie carefully, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Today was a big day¡ªhe was about to take his veterinary doctor license exam. The door opened, and his mother, Han Seoyang, walked in. Her eyes were red from crying, and she watched Seojun with pride. When he saw her tears, his smile faltered. "Mom, why are you crying?" Seojun asked gently. Seoyang took a deep breath and wiped her tears. "I''m just so proud of you, Seojun. You''ve worked so hard for this." She came over and helped him with his tie. "You''re taking the exam without going to college, and that''s amazing. You''ve shown that hard work can ovee anything." Seojun put his hand on her shoulder. "It''s been tough, but it''s worth it. I''ve been preparing for this for a long time. I still can''t believe this is happening Mom" Seoyang voice shook as she spoke. "I''m sorry I couldn''t afford to send you to college. I know it wasn''t easy, but I believe in you." Seojun gently held her hands. "Mom, you did everything you could. Your support means the world to me. I wouldn''t be here without you." "I just wish things could have been different, But seeing you now, ready to achieve your dreams, makes me so happy." Seojun hugged her tightly, feeling her love and support. "Thank you for believing in me. I''m going to make sure all our hard work was worth it and when I pass the exam I will take you to the mall Mom, Treat you foods and buy you new clothes" They separated, and Seoyang managed a shaky but genuine smile. "Thanks Seojun Just seeing my son smiling is enough for me beside you should save you money now Go and show them what you can do. I know you''ll make us proud." Seojun nodded, feeling more determined. "I will. I promise." Han Seojun walked out of his house, feeling the warmth of the sun and enjoying the clear blue sky. He was thrilled¡ªtoday was the day he would take his veterinary doctor license exam. "I can''t believe I''m really taking the veterinary licensing exam," he said with a big smile. "Right, System?" There was no answer. Seojunughed softly at his excitement and started heading to the exam center taking about 5 steps Suddenly, his system notification beeped loudly. Ding! System Notification! Quest: Abyss Realm Entry Objective: Enter the Abyss Realm immediately. This quest cannot be declined. Time Limit: 10 seconds to be summoned "W-What?" Seojun''s heart dropped. His exam, the moment he had been waiting for, was about to slip away. "No, not now!" Seojun shouted as he understand what''s going to happen, looking at the notification in panic. "I need to take my exam!" As he started to fade away into the air, he saw his mother, Han Seoyang, rushing out of the house. She was holding his packed lunch and looked shocked. When she saw her son disappearing, she gasped and dropped the lunch, covering her mouth in disbelief. "What''s happening?!" Seoyang cried desperately. "Seojun!" "System Stop! I need to exin what''s happening to my mom!" Chapter 2: Chapter 2: Mission Reclaim Ding! Warning: The summoning process has begun and cannot be halted. You will be forcibly transported to the Abyss Realm in 10 seconds. The quest "The Abyssal Summoning" has been activated and cannot be declined or postponed. Brace yourself for the challenges ahead. Seojun reached out toward his mother, his voice filled with desperation. "Mom, wait for me! I''lle back, I promise!" His mom cries echoed as he faded further away, leaving her in his desperate sobs behind. Seojun''s heart raced as his license exam prep was suddenly interrupted. One moment, he was on the edge of a big achievement, and the next, he was in a blue, endless sea. Panic rose as he looked around; the sea was calm. The gentle waves touched his feet, and the calm surroundings made his inner chaos feel even stronger. Kneeling on the cold, damp surface, Seojun thought about his mother. Her distressed, tear-streaked face shed in his mind, filled with pain and fear as she watched him disappear. Tears blurred his vision as he sped his hands and whispered, "I''m sorry, Mom. I''m so sorry¡­" His words trembled with guilt and sorrow. Desperation gripped him. Seojun pounded the sea''s surface with his fists, trying to break through the blue sea and fix what had happened. His hits only created ripples that vanished quickly. The sea remained unyielding, a silent witness to his anguish. Suddenly, a glowing, blue holographic notification appeared before him. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] Wee to the Omniarch Realm. Seojun''s frustration boiled over. "Why am I here? Bring me back! I can''t leave my mom like this!" His voice cracked with desperation as he tried to grab the holographic message. His hands went through it, unable to interact with it. [SYSYEM NOTIFICATION] Ding! Error. System malfunction. Unable to process request. Seojun''s anger red. "No! This can''t be happening! System! What''s going on?" His pleas were met with more flickering notifications. [SYSYEM NOTIFICATION] Ding! Error. System malfunction. Unable to process request. The notifications continued to glitch and flicker, offering no exnation and adding to his growing despair. Suddenly, He had just heard a mysterious voice but couldn''t find where it came from. "Inheritor of the Infinite System, Han Seojun, wee to the Omniarch Realm," the voice had said. Seojun looked around frantically but saw nothing except the vast sea and sky. Trying to stay calm, he shouted, "Who are you?!" "I am Goddess Zyraena, the Sovereign of Omniarch." Seojun''s mind shed back to when he first activated the Infinite System. He discovered that his family had a system that passed down through generations to the oldest female child. Yet, Seojun, an only son, had inherited it under extraordinary circumstances. he had absorbed his twin sister while still in the womb called Fetal Resorption and activated the system as he faced death few months ago and his mother that thought that the system dissapeared ad no idea that he inherited it. "This system came from you?" Seojun asked, trying to grasp the truth. The voice replied, "Yes. I bestowed this system upon your family, and you inherited it despite being a man.You are the chosen one, regardless of the tradition." In Seojun''s mind, he saw an image of Goddess Zyraena. She was a stunning figure with silver hair that flowed like water and deep violet eyes full of ancient knowledge. Her clothes shone with blue and gold, and she radiated a powerful, calm energy. Seojun felt a mix of wonder and confusion. He knew he faced a new reality filled with challenges. The calm sea seemed to contrast with his inner turmoil, but he understood that the journey ahead would be significant and demanding. "I am here to guide you, Han Seojun. ept your role, for the Omniarch Realm awaits you," Han Seojun stood frozen, his heart racing as the voice of Goddess Zyraena began to fade away. Panic surged through him. He hadn''t gotten the answers he desperately needed. "Wait! Why am I here?! What should I do?!" Seojun shouted, his voice trembling. But the silence that followed only deepened his fear. "Goddess Zyraena!" he called out, his voice growing more frantic with each cry. "Please, don''t leave me! I need to know what to do!" But the calm, powerful voice of the goddess was gone, leaving Seojun alone with only the sound of the wavespping at his feet. His mind whirled in confusion and fear. Suddenly, a sharp sound interrupted his thought. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] DING! Mission: Defeat the Abyssal Realm Lord. Grimzark, The Dread of Tyrant Description: The Abyss Realm was once under the rule of Goddess Zyraena, but it fell into darkness when the Abyssal Realm Lord, Grimzark, defeated its guardian and took control. Objective: Reim Goddess Zyraena''s realm. Reward: Hidden ss, Gold Coins, Experience, Legendary Weapon, Return to Earth ,REUNITE WITH YOUR MOTHER Etc. Time Limit: None. Penalty for Failure: Death. You will be transported to the Abyss Realm in 5 seconds. Seojun stared at the notification, his panic only deepening. He had no idea how to defeat a realm lord, let alone one who had overthrown a powerful being. The thought of failure sent chills down his spine¡ªdeath was the penalty, and the weight of it pressed heavily on him. Then, his eyes widened as he read the most important reward, Reunite with your mother. The possibility of seeing her again filled him with both desperation and determination. His thoughts raced. How could he possibly seed? He didn''t even know where to start. The fear that had been simmering inside him now threatened to consume him. This mission felt different from all the others. Just hearing the word "Abyss" sent a chill down Seojun''s spine, causing a shiver to run through him like goosebumps But deep down, he knew he had no choice. He had toplete the mission, not just to survive, but to reunite with his mother and reim the realm for Goddess Zyraena. Five seconds, he thought, his heart pounding in his chest. There was no time to prepare, no time to n. He would be thrown into the unknown, but he couldn''t afford to give in to fear. His life, his mother''s life, and perhaps the fate of more realms than he could imagine depended on his sess. With a deep breath, Seojun braced himself as everything around him started to blur. The world dissolved into darkness, and in the blink of an eye, he felt himself being pulled into the Abyss Realm. ---- This novel begins near the end of the main character''s journey in the Abyss. Some readers might find this annoying and drop because the next chapters focus on the main character''s past of how he got to that point. I rmend that everyone give it a try. Start with chapters 1 and 2, then you can either skip to chapter 30, which is thest domain, or go to chapter 64 which is the continuation of chapter 1. Readers who don''t like how this start, Please give it a chance. Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Shadowed Ravine He blinked and found himself standing in an entirely new ce. A sudden ding echoed in the air, followed by the familiar voice of the system. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION!] Wee to the Abyss Realm, ruled by Abyssal Lord Grimzark, the Dread of Tyrant. Seojun nced around, expecting to find himself in a nightmarishndscape, a reflection of the fearsome title of the realm''s ruler. But to his surprise, the ce seemed¡­ peaceful. He stood on a vast, rocky teau, surrounded by formations of jagged stones that jutted out like teeth from the ground. The sky¡ªor what he assumed was the sky¡ªlooked like a deep, starry void, almost as if he was standing on a floating ind in the middle of space. Seojun took a hesitant step forward, the ground beneath him crunching slightly as small pebbles shifted underfoot. As he continued to walk, the silence was broken by a low, rumbling sound that made him pause. He turned his head, trying to pinpoint the source, and found iting from the distance. It wasn''t just a sound¡ªit was the sound of something massive, something powerful. Seojun followed the sound, his footsteps echoing softly in the stillness. The path he walked wound through the rocky terrain, leading him higher and higher until he reached the edge of a cliff. There, he froze, eyes wide as he looked down. Below him, two enormous creatures were engaged in a fierce battle. One was a colossal red slime, its body pulsating with a fiery glow that seemed to burn from within. The other was a dark, shadowy slime, its form shifting and flickering like living smoke. They shed with earth-shattering force, sending shockwaves through the ground as they mmed into each other again and again. Instinctively, Seojun activated his appraisal skill, a feature of his inherited Infinite System. [Appraisal Activated] RED SLIME Level: 450 Type: Fire Elemental Slime Abilities: Incendiary Burst, me Aura, Regeneration, Corrupting Miasma etc. Threat Level: Extreme Current Hp: 35,000 Position: Lord Candidate DARK SLIME Level: 335 Type: Shadow Elemental Slime Abilities: Shadow Meld, Dark Pulse, Absorption etc. Threat Level: High Current Hp: 11,050 (low) Position: Lord Candidate Seojun''s heart sank as he read the stats. These were monsters far beyond his current abilities. He had never seen anything like them before¡ªcreatures of such immense power that they could probably destroy him with a single attack. And here they were, battling it out as if the world itself depended on the oue. He took a deep breath to steady himself, then reluctantly checked his own status. [Status] Name: Han Seojun Age: 18 ss: Animal Whisperer Profession: None Level: 99 HP: 9,500 MP: 7,000 Strength: 750 Agility: 680 Skills: Healing Touch, Basic Combat, Appraisal, Emergency Treatment, Animal Examination etc. Looking at his stats, Seojun felt a pang of anxiety. He was strong by Earth''s standards, sure, but here? Against these monsters? He was a small fish in a vast ocean,pletely out of his depth. The gap between his level and the slimes'' was staggering, and it only served to highlight the danger he was now in. How am I supposed to survive here? Seojun thought, his eyes glued to the titanic battle below. The slimes shed again, sending a shockwave that rippled through the air and up the cliff, making Seojun instinctively back away from the edge. Later on, Seojun watched from the edge of the cliff as the Red Slime and the Dark Slime fought fiercely. The Red Slime''s fiery attacks and the Dark Slime''s shadowy strikes shook the ground. When the battle ended, the Red Slime devoured the Dark Slime. The victorious Red Slime then slithered away, leaving the battlefield in silence. Seeing his chance, Seojun carefully climbed down the cliff. At the base, he found a glowing object: a core from the Dark Slime, which the Red Slime had spat out as it was not suited to its type. [Appraisal Activated] DARK SLIME CORE Type: Monster Core Level: 235 Abilities: Shadow Maniption, Dark Pulse Absorption Benefits: Enhances Shadow Elemental Abilities, Improves Mana Regeneration, Grants ess to Shadow-based Skills Potential Use: Can be used to craft items, improve gear, or upgrade shadow-rted skills and Edible. Oh So in short ,It increased Mana?! I definitely need this! Seojun thought and picked up the core and examined , noting its dark, pulsating energy. "So, Do I have to eat this? It''''s Edible though" he muttered lifting the core to his mouth. Just as he was about to bite into it, an error message shed on a screen in front of him. [ERROR] Cannot consume Monster Core. Level too low. Skill notpatible. Seojun sighed in frustration. "How can I use this if I can''t even consume it?" he grumbled. System responded, [While you cannot consume the core now, you can store it in your inventory. It will prove useful in the future. Consider using it to craft items, improve your gear, or enhance shadow-rted skills when you are more experienced.] Seojun reluctantly ced the core into his inventory, Suddenly, he heard a soft, sad sound: "Kyuuh, kyuuh." Turning around, Seojun saw a small Dark Slime circling the spot where therge Dark Slime had been killed. Is this little Dark Slime the baby of the big one? he wondered. The baby Dark Slime was crying softly, making pitiful "kyuuuh, kyuhh" noises. Seojun felt a pang of sympathy. [Appraisal Activated] BABY DARK SLIME Type: Shadow Elemental Slime Level: 28 Abilities: Basic Shadow Maniption Threat Level: Low Status: Sad, Missing Parent Seojun knew he needed to do something to help. Just then, a new notification appeared: [Side Quest Activated] Quest: Avenge the Baby Dark Slime Objective: Stop the Red Slime from bing the new lord of the Shadowed Ravine. Description: The Red Slime''s victory has left a power vacuum in the Shadowed Ravine. If it bes the new ruler, it will bring further chaos to the realm. Help the baby Dark Slime by preventing the Red Slime from iming dominance. Reward: Experience, Gold Coins, Improved Reputation with Shadow Creatures Penalty for Failure: Increased Difficulty of Future Encounters Wait what? Side quest? Shadowed ravine? Just What is this ce? he wondered, looking around at the dark, rockyndscape. Just then, a ding sound rang out. A new system notification appeared. [SYSYEM NOTIFICATION] [Shadowed Ravine : It''s part of the Abyss Realm. It''s where shadow creatures fight for power. ] [Objective: By stopping the Red Slime from iming dominion, you help maintain bnce in this area. If the Red Slime seeds, it will be the new lord of the Shadowed Ravine, leading to increased chaos and darkness.] [Consequence of Failure: If you fail to prevent the Red Slime from taking over, you will be trapped in the Shadowed Ravine and You will not be able to leave this area.] Chapter 4: Chapter 4: New Ally He''s eyes widened as he read the system notification. "Trapped and will not be able to leave?..." The idea made his heart race, and the dark, rockyndscape around him seemed to close in. Seojun stared at the small, trembling Dark Slime as it circled the area where its parent had fallen. Its cries, though soft, cut through the silence like a de, tugging at something deep within him. The system had mentioned that the monster core could be used to enhance shadow-rted abilities. What if, instead of trying to consume it himself, he gave the core to the baby slime? It was a gamble, but it might just help the little creature grow stronger, maybe even strong enough to survive in this harsh world and might able to help him.Seojun knelt down, holding out the dark, pulsating core. The baby Dark Slime hesitated, its tiny, quivering body inching closer. "Kyuuh?" it whimpered, almost as if asking for permission. "It''s yours," Seojun said softly. "Take it."The slime seemed to understand. It slithered forward, touching the core with its small, gtinous body. The moment it made contact, the core began to dissolve, its dark energy being absorbed by the slime. Seojun watched, fascinated, as the slime''s form began to shimmer, its shadowy body growing darker, more defined. The energy from the core infused the slime, strengthening it, molding it. [System Notification] Baby Dark Slime has absorbed the Dark Slime Core. Status: Evolving¡­ Seojun''s eyes widened as the slime''s shape began to shift, its size increasing slightly, its color deepening to an almost pitch-ck hue. The shimmering effect on its body intensified, as if it were bing one with the surrounding shadows. [Appraisal Activated] YOUNG SHADOW SLIME Type: Shadow Elemental Slime Level: 55 Abilities: Enhanced Shadow Maniption, Dark Pulse, Shadow Meld Threat Level: Moderate Status: Favorability 20% --- The Young Shadow Slime is beginning to warm up to you, but there''s still a long way to go before it fully trusts you. Seojun stared at the status screen, his eyes narrowing as he read the favorability rating. "Favorability... 20%?" he muttered. He frowned, ncing around the dark, rockyndscape. "System," he asked cautiously, "Is this favorability the same as Reputation Points?" [SYSTEM RESPONSE] Favorability reflects the bond between you and the individual. It measures the creature''s trust and willingness to follow yourmands. In the Abyss Realm, Reputation Points from Earth levels no longer apply. Favorability is now specific to your rtionship with individual creatures or familiars and cannot be influenced by general reputation. Seojun sighed, understanding that he needed to build this bond from scratch if he wanted the Young Shadow Slime to be a true ally. "Kyuhh" The little creature¡ªno, the young Shadow Slime¡ªlooked up at Seojun, its form now exuding a quiet strength. It seemed more confident, less fragile. The system''s earlier notification about the quest echoed in his mind. He had to stop the Red Slime from iming dominion over the Shadowed Ravine, or risk being trapped here. The stakes were high, and Seojun knew he wasn''t powerful enough to take on such a creature directly¡ªnot yet. However, the young Shadow Slime was a wild card. It had gained new abilities, perhaps enough to tip the scales in their favor. But could he really rely on a creature that was still so new to its own power? Seojun nced at the slime. It met his gaze, its dark form flickering slightly, as if responding to his thoughts. There was no fear in its movements, no hesitation. It was ready. "We''ll do this together," Seojun said, more to himself than to the slime. Seojun took a deep breath, looking down at the now more confident Young Shadow Slime. "We need to find out where the Red Slime is hiding," he said softly, kneeling before the creature. "Are you up for this? We need to avenge your parent and stop the Red Slime from taking over." The Young Shadow Slime''s favorability rating, which had just been updated, was now at 30%. The system notification confirmed a growing trust between them. [System Notification] Favorability has increased to 30%. The Young Shadow Slime is showing increased trust and willingness to assist you. With a determined nod, Seojun straightened and began to scan the surrounding area. The dark, rockyndscape stretched out in all directions, the jagged rocks and creeping shadows making it hard to discern any clear path. "Does the Red Slime have a cave or something?" he muttered to himself. The Young Shadow Slime made a soft, curious noise¡ª"Kyuuhh"¡ªand stretched out an arm, pointing toward a shadowed alcove in the distance. Its dark eyes gleamed with purpose. Seojun followed the direction of the slime''s gesture, he spotted a big Hole up in the Rock mountain. "Is that... a cave?" he asked, feeling a surge of hope. [System Notification] The Young Shadow Slime is indicating the location of the Red Slime''s hideout. The alcove is likely a cave where the Red Slime resides. Seojun''s heart raced. This could be their chance to gather valuable information or even confront the Red Slime. He gave the Young Shadow Slime an encouraging nod. "Good job. Let''s check it out." As they walked toward it, He nced at the the air and muttered. "Why do I feel like you''re bing more talkative System?"He paused, then turned to the system. [It''s just your imagination, Host. ] Seojun''s face lit up with a mix of surprise and amusement. "See! You''re really bing talkative," he said, pointing at the system interface with a shocked expression. As they crossed the Rock that blocked their way, a holographic disy suddenly appeared in the air before him. The disy showed a small, cartoonish face with a "-_-" expression. Seojun''s eyebrows shot up in confusion. "What''s this supposed to mean?" he asked, staring at the disy. [The "-_-" expression is a system-generated response indicating a humorous or annoyed reaction. It suggests that your recentment about the system being talkative was noted with a touch of sarcasm.] Seojun chuckled at the odd response, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Seriously System You''re bing weird. Let''s focus on the task at hand." Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Pure Luck As Seojun and the Young Shadow Slime approached the cave, the oppressive darkness seemed to grow denser. The jagged entrance of the cave loomed ahead, casting long, ominous shadows. Seojun''s heart raced with a mix of anticipation and dread. The Young Shadow Slime slithered ahead, its dark form merging seamlessly with the shadows. Seojun followed closely, gripping his makeshift weapon. The cave''s interior was dimly lit, with every step echoing loudly, adding to the eerie atmosphere. As they ventured deeper into the cave, Seojun''s footsteps reverberated through the cavern. The air grew warmer and more oppressive. They soon reached arge cavern where the Red Slime awaited. Its massive, crimson form pulsated with a sinister rhythm, partially submerged in a pool of thick, dark ooze. The Red Slime''s eyes glowed ominously. Suddenly, a system notification pinged: [System Notification] You have entered the Red Slime''s Lair. Seojun''s heart pounded. This was the moment he had been preparing for. The Red Slime''s presence was intimidating, but Seojun knew this was their chance. The Young Shadow Slime, now more confident, moved to a position behind Seojun, ready to assist. Seojun tried to provoke the Red Slime, making himself visible and shouting to attract its attention. The Red Slime''s eyes narrowed, and it began to move toward him, its massive body creating tremors in the ground. Seojun ducked and dodged as the Red Slime lunged, its attacks powerful and fiery. The heat from the creature''s strikes was intense. Meanwhile, the Young Shadow Slime used its Dark Pulse ability to strike at the Red Slime, causing it to stagger and writhe in pain. he took a moment to reflect on the battle. The Red Slime had been incredibly powerful, but Seojun couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off. The creature''s movements had been sluggish, and its attacks hadcked their usual ferocity. The Red Slime''s defeat hade more easily than he expected, which made him wonder if it had been at less than full strength. Seojun''s thoughts. ''This Red Slime was probably in a weakened state, It must have fought with other lord candidates before we arrived.'' Seojun took advantage of the Red Slime''s weakened state. He continued to press the attack, targeting vulnerable spots as the Red Slime''s movements grew more erratic. The Young Shadow Slime kept using Dark Pulse to disrupt the Red Slime, making it harder for the creature to defend itself. After a prolonged struggle, Seojun managed to deliver a decisive blow. His weapon pierced through the Red Slime''s defenses, and with a final, agonized scream, the creature copsed into a pool of goo. The cave fell silent, the oppressive heat dissipating. As the Red Slime''s body deted, Seojun breathe heavily and fall down he threw look at the weapon he pick up before and thought. ''Just what kind of bone is this? I thought it will break''. Ahhh If the Red slime is not injured , We''re doomed. What a luck.'' Just then a system notification appeared: Ding! Congrattions! The Red Slime has been defeated! Quest Complete: Prevent the Red Slime from iming dominion over the Shadowed Ravine. Rewards: Acquired Fire Skills: ming Strike: A powerful melee attack imbued with fire, capable of burning enemies over time. Fireball: A ranged spell thatunches a fiery projectile, causing explosive damage upon impact. Inferno Shield: A defensive ability that surrounds you with a protective barrier of mes, reducing iing damage and burning nearby enemies. Gold Coins: 5000 Gold Coins zing Essence: This item can be used to imbue your weapons with fire attributes, increasing their effectiveness inbat or to craft powerful fire-based potions. me Dagger: A weapon dropped by the Red Slime, featuring enhanced fire damage and a chance to ignite enemies. [System Notification] Level Up! Congrattions, Host! You have reached Level 123! Your stats have increased, and new abilities and skills may be unlocked. Young Shadow Slime''s Level Increased: The Young Shadow Slime has leveled up and gained new abilities, now a Lord Candidate. Details: Fire Skills: You can now harness the power of fire to enhance yourbat abilities. These skills provide both offensive and defensive capabilities, making you more versatile in battle. Gold Coins: Use these coins to purchase items, upgrades, or services in various markets and shops. Seojun took a deep breath, feeling a rush of relief and aplishment. He nced at the Young Shadow Slime, which now appeared more vibrant and confident. Seojun spotted a glowing monster core lying among the remains of the Red Slime. He picked it up, but a system notification appeared: [Appraisal Activated] RED SLIME CORE Type: Monster Core Level: 685 Abilities: Incendiary Burst Enhancement, me Aura Boost, Regeneration eleration etc... Benefits: Enhances Fire Elemental Abilities, Increases Fire Damage Output, Improves Health Regeneration Potential Use: Can be used to craft powerful fire-based items, upgrade gear with fire attributes, or enhance fire-rted skills. Edible. "Let me guess, I can''t consume this because my level is low." he muttered and tried to take a bite then a system notification appeared. [ERROR] Cannot consume Monster Core. Level too low, Risky to consume Seojun sighed in frustration, knowing he couldn''t use the Red Slime Core himself due to his level. However, an idea struck him. He turned to the Young Shadow Slime and, with a nod, offered the core maybe it can consume the core? But it''s level is lower than me let''s try. The Young Shadow Slime hesitated for a moment, then absorbed the Red Slime Core. A surge of fiery energy mixed with the existing dark power enveloped the slime. Its form began to shimmer and expand, shifting between shadows and mes. The core''s energy infused the Young Shadow Slime with new attributes, and its appearance transformed dramatically. A new system notification appeared: Ding! Young Shadow Slime has absorbed the Red Slime Core. Status: Evolving¡­ Congrattions! The Young Shadow Slime has evolved into a dual-elemental Lord Candidate! Type: Shadow Fire Elemental Slime Level: 140 Abilities: Shadow Maniption, Dark Pulse Absorption, Incendiary Burst, me Aura etc... Threat Level: High The Young Shadow Slime''s new form glowed with abination of shadow and fire. The slime''s power had clearly surged, and it now radiated an intimidating presence. Seojun''s jaw dropped as he read the system notification. "Wait a minute... It''s level is 140?!" Seojun eximed. "How is it higher than mine?" He was stunned. The Young Shadow Slime had gained significant power from absorbing the core, surpassing his own level. The transformation was impressive and surprising, adding an unexpected advantage to their journey. Seojun marveled at the slime''s newfound abilities, realizing that their partnership had be even more formidable. Seojun marveled at the fact that the slime, once at level 50, had risen to level 140¡ªsurpassing his own level. But Nevermind, he thought. "Well, look at that," Seojun said with a grin. "You''ve really leveled up." The Young Shadow Slime, now more majestic and confident, looked at Seojun with a satisfied "Kyuuhh." Seojun knew this was a turning point but he don''t understand how is the slime able to consume the core when it''s level is also low? We are just few levels apart. Then suddenly system notification beeped loudly. [System Notification] Congrattions! You havepleted all objectives in the Shadowed Ravine. You are now cleared to leave the Shadowed Ravine and proceed to the next area: the Emberfall Domain. Chapter 6: Chapter 6: The Emberfall Domain As Seojun walked through the Abyss Realm, he was surprised by how peaceful it seemed. "I didn''t think the Abyss Realm would be this calm," he muttered, watching the small slimes crawling around. They looked harmless, which was a stark contrast to the realm''s reputation. He checked the system screen and asked, "How far is the Emberfall Domain?" The disy showed, "Approximately 15 miles to the Emberfall Domain." Seojun nodded, noting, "Still a good distance to go." As he walked, he felt an unusual sense of calm but also loneliness. The quiet made him realize how alone he was. His thoughts wandered back to the recent quest. "Why did I get a quest to stop the Red Slime? There are many slimespeting for dominance. What made the Red Slime so special?" he asked the system. The system replied by the hologram, [The quest was because the Red Slime was using unfair tactics to gain control. It was exploiting weaknesses in other candidates, which disrupted the normalpetition.] "Unfair Tactics? Why? Is there a rule here of being fair?" Seojun asked because he didn''t understand but he know one thing It''s Survival of the fittest. [Yes Host, The Red Slime uses a toxic miasma to weaken other slimes and corrupts weaker ones to do its bidding. The Abyss Lord established a rule of fair dominance in the Shadowed Ravine¡ªcandidates must only engage in one-on-one battles with other candidates. Most slimes gain strength through absorbing ambient mana, training, or battling non-slime creatures. However, the Red Slime vites these rules by attacking innocent slimes, especially the young ones, to eliminate future threats and gain an unfair advantage.] Seojun understood now. The Red Slime''s tactics had felt unfair and made the battle easier than expected. A few minutester, Seojun was surprised to find he didn''t feel tired or hungry. "Why do I feel this way?" he wondered aloud. The system responded, [Goddess Zyraena has granted you a blessing of protection. This means you won''t feel tired, hungry, or age while under her protection.] Seojun took this in, feeling a sense of relief. He continued walking in silence, enjoying the serenity. From a distance, he spotted a bright blue circle. As he approached, a system notification popped up: [Appraisal Activated] PORTAL Type: Magical Portal Description: A portal that provides quick travel to different locations. It glows with a bright blue light, indicating it''s active and ready for use. Stepping through will transport you to another realm or area, depending on its destination. Seojun stood in front of the bright blue portal, its glow casting an eerie light on his face. The system''s hologram broke the silence. [You have arrived at thee portal.] He sighed, feeling the weight of the journey. ncing back at the path he had traveled, he muttered to himself, "I thought the Dark Slime would follow. It had 80% favorability, after all. But I guess not." The system seemed to sense Seojun''s disappointment. A holographic disy appeared before him, exining, [The Dark Slime decided not to follow because it has chosen to run as a Lord Candidate. This decision is motivated by its wish to honor its deceased parent, who desired for the Dark Slime to be the lord of the Shadowed Ravine.] Seojun absorbed this new information. It made sense now why the Dark Slime had not joined him. Its personal quest and the legacy of its parent were guiding its choices. He took a deep breath and turned back to the portal. The next step in his journey awaited, and despite the unexpected turn of events, he felt a renewed determination to press on. As Seojun stepped through the portal, he was instantly floating in space. It felt like he was drifting in the middle of a gxy. Stars and colorful nebe surrounded him, creating a dazzling, cosmic scene. There was no visible ground, and he floated effortlessly among the glowing stars and swirling colors.While taking in the breathtaking view, a system notification sounded DIng! Wee to the Emberfall Domain Description: The Emberfall Domain is a magical realm set in space, with floating tforms and a starry sky. Features: Floating Inds: tforms and inds drifting through space. Neb Trails: Glowing paths that guide or block your way. Starfall Chambers: Special areas where you can find rare items and powerful resources. Gravity Zones: Areas with changing gravity, so be careful not to drift into hazards. Objective: Explore the Emberfall Domain to find its secrets andplete your quests. Watch out for changing gravity and magical traps. Seojun floated weightlessly through the Emberfall Domain, his eyes wide with wonder as he admired the cosmic vista. Suddenly, a harsh red system notification interrupted the serenity [WARNING!] Danger Alert! Numerous unknown entities are approaching your location! The rm red loudly, and Seojun''s heart began to race. He tried to move, but his attempts were clumsy and ineffectual in the zero-gravity environment. His body floated erratically, and he struggled to orient himself. "What''s happening?!" Seojun muttered, his voice shaky. "How do I move?!"He iled his arms and legs, but the effort only made him drift further away from any sense of control. The ring rm seemed to intensify, its sound piercing through his panic. [WARNING!] Action Required: Hide immediately to avoid detection. "Hide? How can I hide if I can''t even control myself?!" Seojun shouted, trying to grasp at the air as if it could help him stabilize. His attempts only made his situation worse. Ding! Initiating Gravity Surge Suddenly, without warning, Seojun felt a forceful, unseen push, sending him plummeting toward a solid surface below. He gasped as the sensation of floating abruptly shifted. The ground felt solid beneath him, and gravity seemed to return. "What¡ªwhat''s happening?!" Seojun eximed, stumbling as he hit the ground. He looked around in confusion, the ring rm still ringing in his ears. His movements were disjointed, his limbs unsteady as he tried to adapt to the new gravity. [WARNING!] Action Required: Hide immediately to avoid detection. He spotted a peculiar bush nearby, its leaves shimmering with strange hues. With a surge of urgency, Seojun crawled toward it, his movements slow and deliberate as he tried to evade the looming threat. "I need to get out of sight," he murmured to himself, desperately pushing himself into the bush''s cover. "Please let this work." As he huddled inside the strange bush, the rm''s sound became a distant throb, muffled by the foliage. Seojun''s breathing was ragged, his mind racing with fear and confusion as he tried to calm himself and wait for the danger to pass. Ding! Initiating Stealth Skill A cool sensation enveloped Seojun as the skill took effect. His presence, including his scent, was now concealed. He looked at his body and noticed that he had be nearly invisible, the world around him seeming to shimmer and distort as he blended into his surroundings. He strained to hear over the pounding of his own heart. Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Wyrmfield "System?" He muttered then, A sudden roar of a growl made him flinch. Peering out cautiously, he saw the monstrous entities clearly for the first time. The smaller demons resembled twisted, shadow wings and eyes glowing a menacing red. Their skin was a mottled mix of dark greys and purples, and their sharp ws ttered as they moved. The massive demon, however, was even more horrifying. It stood at least eight feet tall, its body covered in dark, rough scales that looked as if they could deflect any attack. Its wings were enormous and leathery, giving it an imposing presence. Its eyes zed with a fierce, hungry glow, and its mouth was filled with rows of sharp, jagged teeth. The massive demon let out a furious shout, "Where''s the food?! Are you ying with me?! Where is it?!" One of the smaller demons, its voice trembling with fear, protested, "I''m not ying with you My lord... I swear I smell food!" Seojun watched as the smaller demons began to argue among themselves, their voices rising in panic. The towering demon''s rage only intensified. "ying with my hunger, are you? You''ll pay for this!" it roared. In a terrifying disy of strength, the massive demon seized the smaller one who had imed to smell the food. With a horrifying screech, it ripped the smaller demon apart and devoured it in a brutal frenzy. The sounds of tearing flesh and the smaller demon''s final, desperate screams filled the air. Seojun''s body trembled uncontrobly, his eyes wide with horror. The scene was the most grotesque and violent Seojun had ever seen. Huddled inside a bush, the rm''s sound was faint and muffled by the leaves. His breath was heavy with fear, and he hoped his stealth skill would keep him safe. "Please let this work," he whispered, watching the horrifying scene and praying not to be noticed. As the massive demon finished its meal and the smaller demons began to leave, Seojun pressed deeper into the bush, holding his breath. Gradually, as the growls faded, he started to rx, realizing the immediate danger was passing. But then, he noticed the biggest demon hadn''t left yet. It lingered, sniffing the air suspiciously, as if sensing something was off. Seojun''s fear spiked again, and he remainedpletely still, hoping not to be discovered. A screen popped up in front of Seojun''s eyes, showing the demon''s stats. [Appraisal Activated] Greater Hellhound Level: 856 Type: Demon (Elite) Skills: [Bloodlust Frenzy]:Boosts strength and speed when enraged. [Infernal Roar]: A roar that causes fear and paralysis.[Devour]: Gains power by consuming others. [Dark me]: Breathes a deadly ck fire. [Void Step]: Can teleport short distances. Status: Hungry: Low energy, extremely aggressive. Warning: High risk of attack; stay hidden. Seojun''s stomach dropped when he saw the demon''s level. ''Level 856'' his heart raced, knowing that the demon was both hungry and dangerously strong. The demon''s eyes scanned the area, its nostrils ring as it sniffed the air near Seojun''s hiding spot. He held his breath, praying that the stealth skill would keep him hidden. The demon stared at the bush for a moment, but after what felt like an eternity, it snarled in frustration. Finally, it spread its huge wings and leapt into the sky, disappearing into the night. Seojun didn''t move for several minutes, too scared to even breathe. When he finally felt safe enough to emerge, he whispered to himself, "I need to get stronger... much stronger." Seojun moved cautiously through the strange, destendscape, his senses on high alert after barely escaping the Greater Hellhound. The eerie silence around him made every small sound seem louder, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that he was being watched. Suddenly, a soft chime echoed in his mind. [System Notification] Location Identified: Wyrmfield *Wyrmfield?* Seojun thought as he scanned his surroundings. The name alone sent a chill down his spine. This wasn''t a typical forest; there were no trees here, only scattered bushes that barely reached his waist. The ground was uneven and covered in a thick, glowing moss that gave off an eerie, greenish light. The sky overhead was a dull, oppressive gray, adding to the unsettling atmosphere. "This ce looks deserted," Seojun muttered to himself, though he didn''t truly believe it. The sparse, alienndscape made him feel exposed, but he pushed forward cautiously, knowing he had to stay on his guard. As he moved through the Wyrmfield, something caught his eye. A slight movement in the underbrush made him freeze in ce. He watched as a small, dark shape wriggled out from beneath a bush. His heart skipped a beat as the creature came into view. It was a worm, but not like any worm Seojun had seen before. This creature was the size of an adult cat, its segmented body shimmering in shades of dark green and purple under the dim light. Its slimy skin glistened as it moved, and its head, round with tiny ck eyes, opened to reveal a mouth full of sharp, needle-like teeth. The worm slithered across the ground, its movements slow and deliberate, seemingly unaware of Seojun''s presence. [Appraisal activated] The familiar screen appeared before him, giving him the details of the creature. [Appraisal - Target: Abyssal Wyrm] Level: 230 Type: Monster (Lesser) Skills: [Toxic Bite]: Injects a paralyzing toxin into its target. [Burrow]: Can dig underground quickly to escape or ambush. [Regeneration]: Heals itself over time, making it difficult to kill. Etc... Status: Passive: Non-aggressive unless provoked. Warning: Will attack if injured. Seojun stared at the information, his mind racing. ''Level 230¡­ That''s way stronger than me.'' The thought sent a wave of anxiety through him. Even though the Wyrm wasn''t attacking, knowing it was so much stronger than him made him feel incredibly vulnerable. ''It''s not attacking because it doesn''t see me as a threat'' he reassured himself, but the knowledge that it could easily turn hostile kept him on edge. He took a careful step back, making sure not to disturb the creature, and slowly began to put more distance between them. Seojun moved carefully through the eerie Wyrmfield, his thoughts racing. The memory of the Greater Hellhound was still fresh, and the idea of facing it again filled him with dread. "What am I supposed to do, System?" he asked aloud, frustration creeping into his voice. "If I have to defeat that Greater Hellhound to leave this ce¡­ there''s no way I can do that." There was no immediate response, just the unsettling silence of the Wyrmfield. Seojun felt a wave of hopelessness wash over him. This ce felt like a trap, with dangers lurking everywhere, and he didn''t know how he could survive it. As he walked, he spotted arge rock and decided to take a break. He sat down heavily, resting his elbows on his knees and burying his face in his hands. He sighed deeply, feeling the weight of his situation pressing down on him. A soft chime made him look up. The holographic screen appeared in front of him [Host, take a breath. You''re not alone.] "Well, I am alone. "He took a deep breath, letting the tension in his body ease slightly and start thinking about his mother. But just as he started to feel more at ease, another chime sounded. A new screen popped up, and Seojun''s eyes widened as he read it. [Side Quest: Survive the Wyrmfield] Objective: Defeat 10 Abyssal Wyrms. Reward: Experience boost and a special item. Time Limit: 24 hours. Seojun stared at the screen in disbelief. "Are you kidding me?" he muttered, thefort he had felt disappearing in an instant. Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Never Giving up The idea of fighting ten Abyssal Wyrms was overwhelming. He had barely avoided the one he saw earlier, and now he was supposed to hunt them? He groaned in frustration. This was not what he wanted to hear. But he knew he didn''t have a choice. If he wanted to get out of here alive, he had to do what the system asked. With a heavy sigh, Seojun stood up, determination setting in. "Alright," he muttered to himself, "let''s get this over with." Seojun stood on the barren ground of the Wyrmfield, the recent side quest still fresh in his mind. He knew he had to take action, but the thought of facing the Abyssal Wyrms made his heart race. He needed an edge¡ªsomething that could help him stand a chance against those dangerous creatures. With that in mind, he opened his inventory and scrolled through the items he had collected. One, in particr, caught his eye: the me Dagger. He hadn''t used it yet, but now seemed like the perfect time to give it a try. "I should try this me Dagger," he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. With a thought, he summoned the dagger into his hand. The weapon materialized instantly, its de glowing with a faint, fiery light. Seojun couldn''t help but admire the craftsmanship; the de was sleek and sharp, with mes flickering along its edge as if the fire was alive. The hilt wasfortable in his grip, wrapped in a dark, heat-resistant material. [Appraisal activated] A screen appeared before him, disying the details of the dagger. [Appraisal - me Dagger] Level: 250 Type: Weapon (Rare) Damage: High Skills: [me Strike]: Ignites the de with intense fire, causing extra damage and a chance to burn the target. [Heat Resistance]: Protects the wielder from fire-based attacks and heat damage. [Quick sh]: Increases the speed of attacks, allowing for rapid strikes. Status: Durability: Excellent Effectiveness: Increased against cold or dark creatures Seojun studied the information, his grip tightening on the hilt. The dagger was powerful¡ªexactly what he needed. The skills it offered could give him the advantage he desperately sought. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself for what was toe. "Wish me luck, System," he muttered under his breath, his voice carrying a mix of determination and nervousness. [You got this, Host,] the system responded, its tone encouraging and confident. Seojun couldn''t help but shake his head with a small, bemused smile. "You''re really getting weird," he muttered, he sheathed the me Dagger and started moving, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of the Abyssal Wyrms. After a while, he spotted movement. Arge, dark shape was slithering across the ground, its body shining in the dim light. It was an Abyssal Wyrm, even bigger than the one he had seen before. The creature moved with a creepy, smooth motion, getting closer to him. Seojun''s heart raced, but he tried to stay calm ''I can do this'', he thought, gripping the dagger tighter. He knew he needed to strike first if he wanted any chance of winning. As he got ready to attack, he quickly activated his appraisal skill. [Abyssal Wyrm] Level: 245 Type: Monster (Lesser) Skills: [Toxic Bite]: Injects a paralyzing toxin into its target. [Burrow]: Can dig underground quickly to escape or ambush. [Regeneration]: Heals itself over time, making it difficult to kill. [Tail m]: This attack is capable of sending opponents flying with significant force, causing both impact damage and a high chance of disorientation. [Coiling Assault]: The Abyssal Wyrm coils its massive body and then strikes with overwhelming force. The attackbines both a powerful physical impact and a rapid, spinning motion. Status: Passive: Non-aggressive unless provoked. Seojun read the details, feeling a bit more confident but still cautious. He knew this fight wouldn''t be easy. He charged forward and shed at the Wyrm''s side with the me Dagger. The de red with fire as it cut into the creature''s thick, slimy skin. For a moment, Seojun felt a spark of hope¡ªmaybe he could actually beat this thing. But the Abyssal Wyrm was faster than he expected. It recoiled and then struck back with incredible speed. Before Seojun could react, the Wyrm''s powerful body mmed into him, sending him flying through the air. As he tumbled, his mind raced. ''What just happened?'' He hit the ground hard, sliding to a stop. Pain shot through his body, leaving him dizzy and confused. A familiar chime rang in his ears, and a system hologram appeared. [Host, it seems you underestimated the Wyrm''s counterattack. Did you really think it would just sit there and take it?] Seojun groaned, feeling embarrassed and frustrated. ''Even the system is mocking me now,'' he thought as he struggled to get up. The Abyssal Wyrm was alreadying toward him again, its dark eyes fixed on him like a predator hunting its prey. Despite the pain, Seojun forced himself to stand. He couldn''t afford another mistake. This fight wasn''t over, and he had to figure out a way to turn it around. But for now, his focus was just on surviving. "Alright, let''s try this again," he muttered, gripping the me Dagger as he prepared for the Wyrm''s next attack. This time, he wouldn''t underestimate his opponent. Seojun struggled against the Abyssal Wyrm, his repeated attempts to defeat it ending in failure. Each charge with the me Dagger was met with a fierce counterattack that sent him flying through the air. Each impact left him more battered, but he refused to give up. During one of these attempts, the Wyrm''s massive tail struck his arm with brutal force. He felt a sickening crack as his arm broke. Biting his lip to stifle a cry, hey on the ground, the pain excruciating. Momentster, he noticed the pain fading and his arm starting to heal. His eyes widened in surprise. "This is some kind of goddess''s blessing, isn''t it?" he muttered, astonished. [Yes, Host,]the system confirmed. Feeling the pain ease, Seojun got back up, determined to continue. Despite his exhaustion, he pressed on, making more attempts to defeat the Wyrm. Each attack was met with fierce retaliation, but he kept fighting with all his remaining strength. After more than two hours of gruelingbat, Seojun made one final, desperate strike. The me Dagger shed through the Wyrm''s tough hide, mes spreading and causing critical damage. The Wyrm roared in pain and finally copsed, defeated. Breathing heavily, Seojun dropped to his knees, his body aching but relieved. A triumphant chime signaled the end of the battle, and a notification screen appeared. [System Notification] Congrattions! You have defeated the Abyssal Wyrm. Reward: - 1000 Coins - Experience Boost - Wyrm Core - Rare Healing Potion Level Up! You have reached Level 200! Chapter 9: Chapter 9: Wyrms Seojun felt a surge of relief and happiness as he looked at the rewards and the level-up notification. He had made it through the battle and was now stronger for it. Curious about his new status, Seojun activated his appraisal skill As he read through the details stats increased , new skills, his eyes were drawn to the status below Status: Hostility to Wyrms: Increased. They may be more aggressive toward you. Seojun read the appraisal details, noting the increase in his stats and the new status effect. ''I''ve gained hostility from the Wyrms, That might make things harder in the future.'' He thought. Just then, another screen popped up, disying a blue emoji with a t expression. -_- "Don''t be like that, System" Seojun said, a mix of amusement and frustration in his voice. "Aren''t you happy for me? I defeated it!" The system responded, [It took you two hours,Host.] Seojun sighed, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Yeah, yeah. I get it. It was a tough fight. But I did it, and that''s what counts." With the Wyrm defeated and the rewards collected, Seojun felt a strong sense of aplishment. Seojun continued to fight Abyssal Wyrms, gaining valuable experience and insights with each battle. As he engaged more of these creatures, he observed their patterns and found an easier way to fight them. The key to defeating the Wyrmsy in their predictable attack sequences. Seojun discovered that the Wyrms had a brief moment of vulnerability after using their most powerful moves. He learned to exploit this by dodging their initial strikes and then counterattacking during their recovery period. Seojun''s strategy was now finely tuned. He would wait for the Wyrm to use its Coiling Assault or Tail m, then quickly move to the side, avoiding the full force of the attack. When the Wyrm reared up and prepared to strike again, Seojun would use this brief window to close in and strike with his me Dagger, aiming for the vulnerable areas he had identified. The battles became more manageable as he applied this strategy consistently. The Wyrms were still dangerous, but Seojun''s improved tactics made each encounter less overwhelming. Finally, after hours of relentless fighting and careful observation, Seojun faced thest Abyssal Wyrm. With his new approach, he managed to bring the creature down efficiently. The Wyrm''s defeat marked the end of his long and exhausting fight. Despite the grueling battles, Seojun didn''t feel physically exhausted or sweaty. However, his mental fatigue was palpable. He had been focused and strategic for so long that the mental strain was taking its toll. He copsed to the ground, feeling a mix of relief and exhaustion. As he rested, a notification screen appeared before him. Ding! Quest Complete! Rewards: - 10,000 Coins - Experience Boost - Rare Wyrm Core x2 - High-grade Healing Potion - Wyrm''s Scale Armor (New Item) Level Up! You have reached Level 300!** Seojun''s eyes widened as he saw the rewards. The 10,000 coins and items were a significant boost, and the Wyrm''s Scale Armor was a valuable new addition to his gear. His spirits lifted despite his mental fatigue. Just then, another notification screen appeared. [System Notification] You havepleted the Abyssal Wyrm Quest. For the next phase, would you like to take the Easy Way or the Hard Way? Options:* - Easy Way: Less challenging, but rewards may be lower. - Hard Way: More difficult, but rewards will be greater. Seojun stared at the options, weighing his choices. The thought of an easier path was tempting, but the lure of greater rewards was strong. He took a deep breath, considering his next move carefully. Seojun stood up, pacing back and forth, his mind racing. The choice before him was significant, and he needed to make the right decision. He stopped, turned to the system, and asked, "What do you think, System?" The system responded, [Considering you''re still rtively weak, the Easy Way might be the best option. I''m not sure what the exact differences between the Easy and Hard Way are.] Seojun mulled it over, then thought, ''But what if the Hard Way leads to a better quest or greater rewards?'' His curiosity was piqued, and he was tempted by the possibilities. Before he could decide, a sudden tremor shook the ground beneath him. It felt like an earthquake, and Seojun lost his bnce, crashing to the ground. A massive Wyrm emerged from under the earth, its size dwarfing even thergest demons he had encountered. Seojun''s eyes widened in shock as the creature revealed itself. The system''s appraisal activated immediately. [Appraisal - Wyrm Queen] Level: 755 Type: Wyrm Queen Status: Extremely Angry. This Wyrm Queen is furious about the death of her children. "This isn''t good!" Seojun muttered, scrambling to his feet and started running. He had no idea how to handle a creature of this magnitude. Just then, a notification screen appeared. [System Notification] You have chosen the Hard Way. "Wait, what?! No, I didn''t!" Seojun shouted at the white screen in disbelief. Another blue screen appeared nearby, indicating the system''s response. [You have entered the Hard Way by ident, Host. Prepare for the worst. ] The white screen then started a countdown. Transporting in 5... 4... Seojun, still disoriented from the shock, identally stepped on one of the Wyrm''s writhing tails. He rolled to the ground, his mind racing with panic. As the countdown reached 1, the Wyrm Queen''s massive body loomed overhead, preparing to m down on him. No! And he covered his head, bracing for impact. 3... 2... 1... In a sh, the ground beneath him vanished, and Seojun disappeared just as the Wyrm Queen''s attack struck where he had been moments before. Thest thing he saw was the enraged Wyrm Queen''s shadow engulfing him. Seojun felt his body twist and turn as he fell through a strange, colorful void. The ground disappeared, and he was spinning in all directions. Before he knew it, he hit solid ground hard and rolled across a rough surface. Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Labyrinth Groaning, he pushed himself up, trying to steady his dizzy head. The bright colors faded, reced by darkness that was almost suffocating. ''Where am I?'' he thought, his heart racing. Ading sound broke the silence, and a notification appeared in front of him. [System Notification] You have entered the Labyrinth of Destion. Seojun''s eyes widened. The name alone sent chills down his spine. This was no ordinary ce; it was designed to break even the strongest adventurers. ''Why do I always end up in these situations?'' he wondered, shaking his head. Another notification appeared. [System Notification] Labyrinth of Destion - Description: A deadly underground maze filled with traps, ancient guardians, and lost souls. Thebyrinth is alive, constantly changing its paths to confuse and trap anyone who enters. - Difficulty: Extreme - Survival Rate: Less than 1% - Objective: Reach the Core of the Labyrinth and im the Heart of Destion. - Warning: The longer you stay, the more dangerous it bes. Beware of the Labyrinth''s Guardian. Seojun took a deep breath, trying to calm down. ''Less than 1% survival rate?'' He was starting to regret not choosing the Easy Way but he didn''t really choose it was an ident. But he knew he had no choice now. He''d have to find his way through this deadlybyrinth before it could trap him. Drawing his me Dagger, Seojun stepped forward cautiously. The ground was uneven, and the walls were close on both sides. It felt like thebyrinth was watching him, waiting for him to make a mistake. Seojun nced at the screen floating beside him. "Any advice, System?" he asked, expecting the usual sarcastic response. The system''s screen flickered, and instead of an emoji, a more serious message appeared. [Host, you must clear every floor of thisbyrinth until you reach the Boss Room. Only by defeating the final guardian can you im the Heart of Destion.If you want to return to Earth and see your mother again, you have to clear thisbyrinth. There''s no other way out. Stay strong and keep moving forward.] Seojun''s heart tightened at the mention of his mother. He clenched his fists, determination filling his eyes. ''I have to do this. I''ll make it through, no matter what.'' Seojun began his journey into the Labyrinth of Destion, Seojun walked down the stone stairs, feeling the air grow colder and heavier with each step. The stairs seemed to go on forever, but eventually, he reached the bottom and found himself in a long, dark hallway. The walls were made of rough stone, and the ceiling was so low that Seojun had to duck slightly. The hallway stretched out into darkness, and Seojun couldn''t see the end of it. As he took a step forward, a familiar ding! sounded, and a screen appeared in front of him. [System Notification] You have arrived at the First Floor of the Labyrinth of Destion. Seojun gripped his me Dagger tightly, ready for whatever mighte. He started walking down the hallway, his footsteps echoing in the silence. Suddenly, he heard a faint ttering sound up ahead. His heart began to race as the sound grew louder. A figure appeared in the darkness, slowly moving toward him. The system''s appraisal activated, showing the creature''s details. [Appraisal - Skeleton Farmer] Level: 250 Type: Undead Weapon: Rusty Axe Status: Relentless but weak. Seojun saw the skeleton dressed in tattered rags, holding a rusty axe. This shouldn''t be too hard, he thought. The Skeleton Farmer swung its axe at Seojun, but he easily dodged the attack and shed his Dagger across the skeleton''s chest. The creature crumbled into a pile of bones, defeated in an instant. But before Seojun could rx, he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. His eyes widened in shock as warmth spread across his body. He staggered forward, struggling to stay on his feet. Looking down, Seojun saw a sword had pierced through his back, leaving a bloody hole in his stomach. Blood poured from the wound, soaking his clothes. "F-fuck..." Seojun gasped, feeling blood in his mouth. The pain was intense, unlike anything he had ever felt before. Desperately, Seojun gripped his Dagger and turned around, barely able to keep his bnce. Standing behind him was a towering skeleton, its eyes glowing with a menacing light. [Appraisal - Skeleton Knight] Level: 328 Type: Undead Weapon: Cursed Sword Status: Deadly and precise. Seojun''s vision blurred as he kicked the Skeleton Knight with all the strength he had left. The kick made the creature stumble back, but the damage was already done. Seojun fell to his knees, trying to stop the bleeding with his hands, but it was useless. The pain was overwhelming, and every breath felt like a struggle. Seojun felt his strength slipping away, his vision getting darker. Am I really going to die here? he thought, fear creeping into his mind. But even as the pain threatened to take over, Seojun refused to give up. He thought of his mother, and a wave of determination surged through him.'' I have to survive. I have to get out of here,'' he thought, forcing himself to his feet. His legs felt weak, and the world around him spun, but he had to keep going. He raised his Dagger, ready to fight the Skeleton Knight again, even though his hands were shaking. The Skeleton Knight recovered quickly and raised its sword to strike again. Seojun knew he didn''t have much time. Summoning all his strength, he lunged forward, ignoring the pain in his stomach, and stabbed his Dagger into the Skeleton Knight''s chest. The creature let out a hollow moan as mes spread through its body, turning it to ash. The Skeleton Knight copsed, and its sword fell to the ground. Seojun fell to his knees again, his vision fading. He was alive, but just barely. The pain was too much, and the blood loss was making him weaker by the second. ''I can''t... die here...'' struggling to stay awake. He had to keep moving, but his body was reaching its limit. As the darkness closed in, Seojun fought to stay conscious, holding on to the hope that he could still survive this nightmare. Chapter 11: Chapter 11: Cursed Seojun''s vision faded, and thest thing he remembered was the sharp, unbearable pain in his stomach. But suddenly, a ding echoed in the darkness Ding! Level Up! You have reached Level 355! Health Status: Fully Regenerated. Seojun''s eyes snapped open. He was lying on the cold stone floor, but something felt different. The intense pain in his stomach was gone. He lifted his torn, blood-stained shirt and stared in shock. The wound that had pierced through his stomach waspletely healed, leaving no trace of the injury. It was as if nothing had ever happened. ''What just happened?'' Seojun thought, still in disbelief. He quickly essed his status window, noticing that his level had jumped to 355. But what really caught his eye was a small icon in the corner of the screen¡ªa message icon with a red number shing beside it. ''Why do I feel like the system is upgrading?'' he wondered, clicking on the message icon. Several notifications popped up in front of him. The first notification read: [System Notification] Congrattions! You have defeated the Skeleton Knight! Rewards: - Curse Sword (Cursed Item) Acquired skills: Bone Crusher: A skill that deals extra damage to skeletal and undead enemies. - Description: Increases damage to undead and skeletal creatures by 50%. Also has a chance to shatter bones, causing additional damage. Revenge Strike: A counterattack skill that activates when Seojun takes critical damage. - Description: After receiving a critical hit, Seojun can perform a powerful counterattack that deals 200% of his normal attack damage. "That''s it? Well, The skills is helpful but!" Seojun eximed in shock. "Where are the gold coins?!" As if in response, another hologram appeared beside him. [There are no gold rewards. Don''t expect much, Host. The true rewards are on the final floor.] Seojun sighed in frustration, feeling a little cheated and But then he noticed another notification, this one in ck. He clicked on it, and his heart sank as he read the details. [System Notification] You have been cursed by the Curse Sword. Curse: Shadow of Despair - Description: This curse shrouds the Host in a dark aura, causing fear and despair to those around you. However, it also drains your own willpower and mental strength over time, leading to fatigue and possible hallucinations. The curse can only be lifted by defeating the final guardian of thebyrinth or by sacrificing an equivalent life force. Seojun gulped, feeling a cold sweat form on his forehead. The words on the screen seemed to loom over him, the reality of the curse sinking in. The idea of having his willpower drained and facing hallucinations terrified him. He could already imagine the creeping darkness, the fear slowly consuming his mind. He gripped the handle of the Curse Sword tightly, his hand trembling. ''This is bad. Really bad'' he thought, his stomach twisting with anxiety. The curse was more dangerous than he had expected, and the thought of it affecting his mind filled him with dread. he thought, his throat dry. ''I have no choice¡ªI need to keep going.'' Seojun took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He knew the only way to remove the curse was to keep moving forward. Thebyrinth was already proving to be more treacherous than he had imagined, and now he had this dark burden to bear. The fear lingered in his mind, but he pushed it aside as best as he could. There was no turning back now. Seojun slowly stood up, still shaken by the curse''s warning. His body felt lighter after regenerating, but his mind was weighed down by the fear of what wasing. Taking a deep breath, he began walking down the dark hallway again, his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. With his me Dagger in one hand and the Curse Sword in the other, Seojun stayed alert, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement. He had a bad feeling, and it wasn''t long before it proved true. More skeletons began to emerge from the shadows, their hollow eyes glowing in the dim light. Several Skeleton Knights, their cursed swords glinting dangerously, led the way. Seojun''s heart raced as he tightened his grip on his weapons. ''I can''t let my guard down'' he reminded himself, remembering the pain of being stabbed before. The memory made him shudder. "I don''t want to get pierced again¡ªit hurts too much!" The Skeleton Knights charged at him with deadly intent. Seojun moved quickly, dodging their attacks and striking back with his Dagger. The first Skeleton Knight crumbled quickly under the me Dagger''s burning power, but more kepting, each swing of their swords aimed to take him down. Seojun fought as hard as he could, shing and stabbing with both weapons, dodging blows, and countering with precise strikes. Each time he defeated a Skeleton Knight, another one took its ce, attacking with relentless force. His breath became heavy as the battle dragged on. Sweat dripped down his face as he focused on every move, knowing one mistake could be fatal. The Curse Sword''s dark aura pulsed in his hand, a constant reminder of the danger it posed. He could feel its influence trying to cloud his mind, but he fought to stay focused. Finally, after what felt like forever, thest of the Skeleton Knights fell to the ground, defeated. The hallway grew quiet, the only sound being Seojun''s heavy breathing. He looked around, expecting more enemies to appear, but nothing happened. ''Maybe that''s thest of them,'' he thought, cautiously lowering his guard. But just as he began to rx, a cold wave of dread swept over him. His vision darkened at the edges, and a strange dizziness took hold. His legs wobbled, and he stumbled, catching himself against the wall. [System Notification] Curse Effect Activated: Shadow of Despair Seojun''s eyes widened as he read the notification. The curse was taking effect. He could feel his willpower draining, his thoughts bing foggy and confused. The hallway seemed to stretch on forever, and a deep sense of hopelessness began to creep into his mind. He gritted his teeth, trying to fight the curse. "No... not now..." he muttered, shaking his head to clear the dark thoughts. But the curse was strong, wrapping its tendrils around his mind and squeezing tighter with each moment. A wave of exhaustion hit him, and his body felt heavy, like it was being pulled down by an unseen force. He could feel his strength slipping away, his grip on reality weakening. The fear and despair were growing stronger, whispering that he couldn''t win, that he should just give up. ''No... I can''t... give in...'' Seojun thought, struggling to stay on his feet. His heart pounded, his breathsing in short, desperate gasps. The hallway spun around him, and shadows seemed to crawl along the walls, their shapes shifting and twisting. ''I have to keep going... I have to...'' But the curse''s power was overwhelming, and Seojun could feel himself slipping further into darkness. The pain in his head was intense, and each step felt like a huge effort. He fell to his knees, clutching his head as the curse tightened its grip on his mind. The weight of despair was crushing, and it felt like he was drowning in it. The world around him grew darker, the shadows closing in. Even as he fought, his strength was fading. The curse was too powerful, and he was losing the battle against it. In his mind, he saw brief shes of his mother''s worried face. ''I have to survive... for Mom...'' That thought was the only thing keeping him from giving inpletely. He dug deep within himself, finding thest bit of willpower he had left. Slowly, he forced himself to stand, his body shaking with the effort. The shadows still loomed around him, but he wouldn''t let them drag him down. "I won''t... give up..." he whispered, taking another step forward. Every movement was painful, but he refused to stop. The curse was strong, but his determination was stronger. He had to keep moving, no matter what. Seojun walked down the long hallway, each step feeling heavier as the curse wore him down. But he kept going, After what seemed like forever, he finally reached the end of the hallway and found a staircase going down. Without thinking twice, he went down, knowing the second floor was ahead. As soon as he stepped off thest step, a sharp whistling sound filled the air. Seojun barely had time to react before an arrow, glowing with dark energy, hit his shoulder with a painful thud. Chapter 12: Chapter 12: Strong Willpower Seojun dropped to his knees as the cursed arrow pierced his shoulder, sending waves of pain through his body. The dark energy from the arrow quickly spread, draining his strength and clouding his mind. He barely had a moment to react before a group of green, twisted creatures rushed toward him, their eyes filled with deadly intent. Ding! [You have been struck by a Cursed Arrow] Status - Curse Type: Venomous Malediction - Effect: Rapidly drains life force, weakening the body and corrupting the mind. Prolonged exposure may lead to death orplete possession by the curse. - Curse Level: Advanced - Resistance:None As the curse took hold, Seojun felt his energy draining fast. Before the creatures could reach him, the system activated a protective shield. Ding! [Barrier Activated] Status - Barrier Type: Emergency Defense - Effect: Blocks all physical and magical attacks for 60 seconds. A shimmering barrier appeared around Seojun, stopping the creatures in their tracks. They pounded on the barrier, but it held strong. Meanwhile, Seojun grabbed the arrow in his shoulder, his vision blurring from the pain. He yanked the arrow out, blood pouring from the wound. Ding! [Curse Activated] Error Detected: Ipatible curse interaction with host''s system. Error Code: 001-DF5. Unable to fully process curse effects. Attempting to stabilize... Error Code: 002-AC7. Host''s life force is critically low. Initiating emergency protocol... Error Code: 003-BH2. System integrity at risk. Host''s mental state is deteriorating. Attempting to mitigate curse influence... Seojun''s mind reeled as the errors shed before him, each one sending sharp pain through his body. The curse was not just attacking his body, but also causing problems with the system. It was too strong, and the system struggled to deal with it. The green creatures outside the barrier continued their attack, their blows growing more intense as the barrier began to flicker. Seojun''s breathing became ragged as the curse whispered dark thoughts into his mind, urging him to give up. But Seojun refused to give in. He clung to the thought of returning home and seeing his mother again. He fought back against the darkness with all his strength. Ding! [Critical Update: Host has resisted the curse''s mental corruption.] Acquiring new skill... Skill Acquired: Curse Resistance. Status Skill Name: Curse Resistance - Effect:Increases resistance to curse-based attacks. The stronger the curse, the stronger the resistance will be. - Reason for Acquisition: Host showed strong willpower in resisting an Advanced-Level curse, preventing the curse from taking overpletely. Ding! Congrattions! You have acquired Mental Resistance As the notification appeared, Seojun felt the curse''s grip loosening. The dark energy that had threatened to consume him began to fade, reced by a new strength. His wound started to heal, and the bleeding slowed, then stopped. The barrier around him held just long enough for Seojun to stand up again, his eyes filled with determination. Seojun looked at his shoulder, now mostly healed, and then at the creatures in front of him. "I won''t let this curse beat me," he muttered, gripping his weapons tightly. The creatures growled and attacked, but this time, Seojun was ready. Seojun''s breathing steadied as the curse''s hold weakened, giving him a bit of rity. His new skill, Curse Resistance, helped him as the system activated its appraisal feature to identify the creatures attacking him. [System Notification: Appraisal Activated] Creature Identified: Goblin Raider - Level: 476 - Threat Level: High - Traits: Stronger than average, poisonous ws, fights well in groups - Skills: - Berserk Rage: Makes them faster and stronger when fighting together. - Venom Strike: Coats their ws in poison that drains life. Analysis: Goblin Raiders are tough, especially in groups. Be careful. Seojun''s heart pounded as he realized these goblins were stronger than him. The barrier protecting him started to crack, and he knew he had to act fast. When the barrier finally shattered, the goblins charged at him with wild eyes. The first goblin attacked with poison-coated ws. Seojun dodged and shed at its side, but it barely slowed down. Another goblin attacked from behind, and Seojun blocked it with his dagger, the force nearly knocking him off bnce. He had to end the fight quickly before the goblins overwhelmed him. Focusing on the nearest goblin, Seojun dashed forward, catching it off guard. His sword struck its throat, killing it instantly. The other goblins howled in rage, their speed and strength increasing as they charged him again. Seojun struggled to keep up, each of his strikes barely holding them back. He noticed a narrow passage up ahead and realized he could use it to his advantage. If he could lure the goblins in, he could fight them one by one. He made a quick move to the side, drawing them in, and then sprinted towards the passage. The goblins followed, blinded by their anger. In the tight space, Seojun''s strategy changed. He used the walls to block their attacks and struck with precision. The first goblin that entered was taken down with a single strike. The others pushed forward, but the narrow passage worked against them. Seojun quickly cut them down one by one. After what felt like forever, thest goblin fell. Seojun leaned against the wall, exhausted but victorious. Thebyrinth had been more dangerous than he expected, and this was just one of many challenges. He couldn''t even remember how long he had been in thebyrinth, the days blurring together as he fought to survive. Thebyrinth was huge and full of dangers. Seojun had cleared several floors, but he knew there were many more ahead. The system hadn''t told him how many floors there were, and he knew he couldn''t lose focus. After catching his breath, Seojun continued onward. He had one goal: to escape thebyrinth , defeat the abyssal lord and return home. But as he walked deeper into the maze, he wondered how much time had passed. Days? Weeks? He didn''t know. But he did know one thing¡ªhe couldn''t stop now. Seojun sat on the edge of a rocky ledge, taking in the peaceful blue water below. His attention was drawn to a peculiar sight¡ªa rainbow-colored "burger" sitting beside him. Intrigued, he picked it up, studying its odd, glowing appearance. Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Final Floor "What the heck is this? A walking rainbow burger?" Seojun asked, ncing at the system hologram that appeared beside him. Ding! Item Identified: Edible Sweet Bug - Type: Edible Creature - Appearance: Mimics food items; this one has taken the shape of a rainbow-colored burger. - Effect: Restores health and energy. Consuming it will temporarily boost morale. - Taste: Deliciously sweet with a hint of fruitiness. Seojun''s eyes widened. "Wait, what?! It''s a burger bug?!" He looked around the cave and saw more of these rainbow-colored bugs crawling along the walls, with one even perched by the water, sipping daintily from it. System hologram appeared. [You should try eating it, Host. It''s quite beneficial.] Seojun blinked at the hologram. "System, you want me to eat this? It''s a bug!" [Yes, it''s an edible bug. It''s safe and will give you a morale boost. The taste is quite pleasant, I assure you.] Seojun shook his head in disbelief. "No way! I love animals, especially insects. How can I eat something that''s disguised as a burger?" [Think of it as a culinary adventure. It''s not just any bug¡ªit''s a bug in disguise. You''ll be fine host] Seojun looked at the rainbow-colored "burger" in his hands, he gulped but the idea of tasting something sweet and familiar was tempting. Taking a deep breath, he bit into it.The moment the sweetness hit his tongue, Seojun''s eyes widened. The taste was incredibly nostalgic, like the desserts he remembered from home. The fruity sweetness wasforting and filled Seojun with warmth. As he ate, he was flooded with memories of simpler times. It wasn''t hunger that made him emotional, but the taste that connected him to his past. With each bite, he felt a lump in his throat, remembering the warmth of home and family. When he finished, tears welled up in his eyes. "It tastes just like home," he whispered, trembling slightly. He hadn''t realized how much he missed that feeling until now. The taste reminded him of something worth fighting for and waiting for outside thebyrinth. For a moment, Seojun let the warmth and memories wash over him. Thebyrinth had given him this precious moment, strengthening his resolve. Wiping his tears, he stood up with renewed determination. "I''ll make it back," he said quietly, looking out over the shining blue water seeing his a bit long brown hair "I''ll see home again." Seojun stood up, feeling both refreshed and amused by his unexpected snack. He took a deep breath and turned to the system''s hologram. "Thanks for that, System," Seojun said, smiling. "That was surprisingly enjoyable. Now, where do we go next?"The system''s hologram flickered to life, disying a map of thebyrinth with various indicators. Ding! Next Destination: - Current Floor: 99th - Next Floor: 100th - ess: Underwater Passage Details: The way to the 100th floor is underwater. Swim through the tunnel to get there. Be careful of any underwater dangers. Seojun took a deep breath and stepped into the pool of blue water. He swam through the tunnel, which was lit by glowing creatures and colorful corals. After a short swim, he reached the100th floor. The new area was bright, with floating lights and shimmering nts. Ding! [Floor Reached: 100th Floor] Seojun looked around at the new surroundings, admiring the glowing lights and shimmering nts. Just as he started to feel a sense of relief, a new notification appeared. [System Notification] Error: You have reached the final floor. Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. "The final floor? I wasn''t expecting this so soon!" Before he could react, the ground beneath him trembled violently. The floor began to shift and change, cracking open and revealing moltenva below. The chamber transformed into a volcanic interior, with fiery eruptions and rising heat. Ding! Heat Resistance Activated - Skill: Heat Resistance - Effect: Reduces damage from extreme temperatures and enhances tolerance to heat. Seojun felt the heat, but his heat resistance skill kicked in, protecting him from the worst effects. "Good thing I got this heat resistance skill from the fire smander floor," he thought, looking around for cover. He spotted arge rock formation nearby and dashed toward it. The intense heat from theva and volcanic eruptions made it difficult to see clearly, but Seojun managed to take shelter behind the rock, panting from the sudden change. As he crouched behind the rock, he could hear the roaring of the volcano and feel the vibrations through the ground. He took a moment to catch his breath, processing the rapid shift in the environment. "Alright, this just got a lot more intense," he muttered, peering around the rock for any signs of danger. "Let''s see what this final floor has in store." Seojun crouched behind the rock, trying to shield himself from the volcanic eruptions. As he scanned the river ofva, he noticed something stirring beneath the molten surface. Suddenly, a gigantic creature leaped out, its massive form creating a geyser ofva.Seojun''s eyes widened as he saw the creature''s fiery, scaled body glinting in the light. Seojun crouched behind the rock, trying to shield himself from the volcanic eruptions. As he scanned the river ofva, he noticed something stirring beneath the molten surface. Suddenly, a massive creature erupted from theva, sending a shower of molten rock andva into the air. Seojun''s eyes widened as he saw the creature''s colossal form. It was a Volcanic Kraken, a gigantic, multi-tentacled sea creature with glowing magma-filled appendages. [WARNING!] Alert: Lava Rain Iing Reacting swiftly, Seojun activated his barrier skill. A shimmering shield surrounded him just as molten rock andva began to rain down around him. Ding! [Barrier Activated] With the barrier in ce, Seojun focused on the Volcanic Kraken. He activated his appraisal skill to gather more details about the creature. [System Notification] Appraisal Activated Creature Identified: Volcanic Kraken - Level: 2050 - Type: Final Floor Boss - Description: A massive, multi-tentacled sea creature adapted to volcanic environments. It has magma-filled limbs and can generate powerful shockwaves andva attacks. Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Labyrinth Guardian Seojun''s heart raced as he realized he was facing the level final boss of thebyrinth. "A level 2050 Kraken? This is going to be intense," he muttered. The Kraken let out a deafening roar that shook the ground, its tentacles thrashing wildly in theva. Each movement sent tremors through the area, and molten rock flew through the air in unpredictable. He created a fire sword in his hand, its de flickering with intense heat. "Fire versus Fire, then. Let''s see who burns brighter," he said, his voice resolute.As he prepared for the battle, he surveyed the Kraken''s tentacles, each one a potential threat. In the intense battle with the magma-filled Kraken, Seojun faced extreme heat and fierce attacks. After getting hit hard and thrown into the air, he activated his Wind Step skill. This allowed him to briefly walk on the wind, creating a small tform to stabilize himself and avoid falling into theva below. Ding! Skill: Wind Step Activated Effect: Creates a temporary tform of wind for brief flight or repositioning. With his footing secured, Seojun assessed the situation. The Kraken was now moving more erratically, with itsva-filled limbs iling wildly. Determined to turn the tide, Seojun increased his attacks, focusing on the Kraken''s weaker spots. Each sessful hit made the Kraken recoil, but it also became more aggressive, with magma flowing more violently through its limbs. He aimed a powerful strike with his fire sword at the Kraken''s core, hoping to inflict serious damage and gain an advantage. The strike caused a burst of molten energy, but the Kraken remained a formidable opponent, its rage only intensifying. Ding! Skill: me Strike Activated Impact: Significant damage to Kraken''s core. Enemy remains hostile. Seojunnded on a stable piece of rock, preparing for the continued fight as the volcanic chamber around him roared with the Kraken''s fury. Seojun was about to attack the Kraken when suddenly, a holographic screen blocked his view. Frustrated, he shouted, "System, why are you blocking my sight?!" The screen usually appeared beside him during battles, but now it was in his way, as if deliberately stopping him. [System Notification] WARNING! Unknown creature detected. Immediate concealment required. Seojun quickly nced at the notification. He had no choice but to act fast, he trusted system a lot. He sprinted towards a massive rock formation, seeking cover. As he hid behind the rock, he noticed that his barrier was still active. Peering around the rock, Seojun watched theva river, where another warning alert appeared on his screen. [DANGER! DANGER! ALERT!] Warning: Iing hostile entity. His eyes widened in shock as a new creature emerged, attacking the already weakened Kraken. The Kraken, now crying out in pain and fury, fought back desperately. The new entity was massive and imposing, its presence causing the volcanic chamber to shake. Seojun''s mind raced. "What the heck is that?" he muttered. "Isn''t the Kraken supposed to be the final boss?" The scene was chaoticva surged violently, and the Kraken''s roars echoed through the chamber as it struggled against its new foe. Seojun stayed hidden behind a massive rock as the volcanic chamber erupted with chaos. The Kraken was being overpowered and eaten by a new, terrifying creature. The Hydra, with its nine dragon-like heads and silver scales, had taken over. The Kraken''s roars faded, leaving the chamber eerily quiet except for the hiss of theva. Seojun tried to calm his racing heart and focused on the status screen, which updated with new information. [System Notification] Creature Detected: Nine-headed Dragon-like Being* Name: Silver-scaled Hydra Level Error: Unable to disy level due to immense power. Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. The creature was indeed a Hydra, its silver scales glowing ominously. The screen also showed more details. [System Notification] Labyrinth Guardian Alert: The Hydra has defeated the Kraken and be the new final boss of the Labyrinth. Seojun couldn''t believe it. "A Labyrinth Guardian? The Hydra is the new final boss?" The Labyrinth had changed dramatically, and the Hydra was now the main challenge. The Hydra''s headsshed out, and its presence was overwhelming. [System Notification] This creature is near godly in power. Encouraging immediate retreat. You will not be able to handle it in your current state. Seojun nodded and turned to flee. But just as he moved, another notification appeared. [System Notification] Alert: Hydra has locked onto your location. Preparing to engage. Panic set in as Seojun realized the Hydra had targeted him. "Great, just my luck!" he muttered. The Hydra''s heads turned towards him, their eyes glowing dangerously. Desperate, Seojun used his Wind Step skill. The air around him solidified into a temporary tform, helping him dodge the Hydra''s first attack. He moved quickly, avoiding the creature''s fiery breath and massive ws. Skill: Wind Step Activated Despite his efforts, the Hydra''s attacks were relentless. Seojun struggled to keep up, and the Hydra managed to injure him with a swipe of its ws. As he tried to regain his bnce, a massiveva rock fell from above and struck his head. [System Notification] Warning: Critical injury detected. Immediate medical attention required. His vision blurred, and felt a wave of dizziness, Seojuny crushed beneath the massiveva rock, his body pinned and pain radiating through him. The taste of blood was sharp in his mouth, mingling with the burning sensation in his throat. Each breath was a struggle, and he coughed up more blood, the red droplets staining his clothes and the ground beneath him. His head was throbbing, with blood flowing freely from a gash on his scalp. With a grimace, Seojun tried to push the rock off him, his arms shaking with the effort. Every movement sent sharp waves of agony through his body, making it hard to concentrate. He gritted his teeth, feeling the crushing weight of the rock as he fought to free himself. [System Notification] Warning: HP critically low. Immediate action required. Seojun''s vision flickered as he nced at the status screen, which shed a red alert about his dangerously low health. Panic surged through him, but his body was too weak to respond. The Hydra''s roars grew louder, its anger palpable as it approached. [System Notification] Alert: Hydra has locked onto your location. Approaching with increased aggression. Seojun looked up to see the Hydra leaving theva river, its massive heads snapping angrily. The creature''s eyes were locked on him, its jaws dripping with magma. The sheer terror of the situation overwhelmed him. Desperately, Seojun made another attempt to push against the rock, but the effort was too much. His vision darkened, and he felt himself slipping away. Just as consciousness began to fade, a new hologram appeared before him. Ding! Emergency Release Protocol Activated: Host cannot continue battle. Releasing Guardian Creature. Guardian Released: Cerberus Chapter 15: Chapter 15: Contract As Seojun''s consciousness slipped away, he fell into a deep, restless sleep. His bodyy beneath the massive rock, still pinned and battered, while the system took over the situation. The screen flickered to life with a new notification. [System Notification] Host is currently in a healinga. System taking control to manage immediate threats. Host''s body is in Healing Mode. The holographic screen showed that Seojun''s body was being automatically managed to stabilize and recover. Though he was unconscious, the system was actively working to protect him and handle the crisis. Meanwhile, Cerberus was released. The guardian appeared with a dramatic entrance, towering over the battlefield. Its massive, three-headed form was roughly the same size as the Hydra, almost touching the ceiling of the chamber. The creature''s dark, menacing fur bristled as it entered the fray. The battle between Cerberus and the Hydra erupted with intensity. The Hydra, with its nine heads, attacked fiercely, snapping and biting at Cerberus. Cerberus held its ground, using its powerful limbs and three sets of jaws to fend off the Hydra''s attacks. Despite the ferocity of the battle, it was clear that Cerberus was reluctant to cause serious harm to the Hydra, its movements precise and controlled. Ding! [System activating binding chains to control Hydra''s aggression.] Suddenly, a new notification appeared, and glowing, spectral chains emerged from the system''s interface. These chains shot towards the Hydra, wrapping around its massive limbs and heads. The chains glowed with a mystical energy, restricting the Hydra''s movement and reducing its aggression. The Hydra roared in frustration, struggling against the binding chains, but Cerberus continued to hold its ground, maintaining a defensive stance. The battle was fierce but carefully controlled, with Cerberus preventing further harm while the chains worked to subdue the Hydra. As the system managed the situation, Seojun remained in his healing state, his body slowly recovering while the guardians fought to protect him and the Labyrinth. As the binding chains tightened around the Hydra, its massive form began to shrink, the once-towering beastpressing under the magical restraints. The chains glowed brighter as they constricted, visibly forcing the Hydra into a smaller, more manageable size. Cerberus, too, its own massive frame gradually diminishing in size. The battle continued with Cerberus adapting to its new, smaller form. The guardian carefully stepped on the Hydra''s constricted body, maintaining its defensive stance. Despite its reduced size, Cerberus''s three heads remained vignt, and its presence was still formidable. As the binding chains continued to restrain the Hydra, its form gradually returned to its original size. The massive beast roared in frustration and fury, struggling against the magical restraints. But then, a peculiar change urred¡ªthe Hydra''s rage seemed to shift into something else, a flicker of recognition in its eyes. [System Notification] Warning: Hydra regains control and is exhibiting unusual behavior. The Hydra''s heads turned towards Cerberus, a look of deep, ancient recognition shing across their eyes. The creature''s roars softened, reced by an eerie, solemn tone. "Brother?" one of the Hydra''s heads hissed. "Is that you, Cerberus?" Cerberus, still in its diminished form, looked back at the Hydra with surprise and a hint of sadness. It stepped firmly on the Hydra''s restrained body, causing the creature to wince in pain. "It is I, Hydra," Cerberus replied "And you hurt my master!" The Hydra''s heads twisted in confusion and rage. "Master? You mean that human?" one head hissed. "Since when did you lower yourself to serve a mere human? Have you lost all your pride, Cerberus?" Cerberus''s patience snapped. With a powerful swipe, he struck the Hydra''s original head, sending it reeling back. "How dare you speak of my master that way! You''re treading on dangerous ground, Hydra." The Hydra roared in pain and fury. "What do you know of my own plight? What right do you have to challenge me?" Cerberus''s tone grew cold and resolute. "It''s not just about me. You''re in trouble with Father for daring to act against our bond. But for now, I propose a truce." The Hydra''s heads hissed in frustration, but Cerberus continued. "For the sake of our shared history, and to address the situation properly, make a contract with my master. We''ll resolve our issues in the space where Master''s guardian rests." [System Notification] Contract Proposal: Hydra and Master''s Guardian to discuss matters in the Guardian Resting Space. A new hologram appeared, detailing the terms of the proposed contract. The Guardian Resting Space was a serene, neutral area within the system designed for discussions and agreements among powerful entities. It provided a calm environment, away from the immediate dangers of the battlefield. Cerberus''s stance remained firm. "Agree to the contract, Hydra. We need to speak in a ce where we can understand each other and address these grievances." The Hydra''s confusion turned into anger as Cerberus demanded a truce. "You dare to call me out, Cerberus? Since when did you be a ve to that human?" the Hydra snarled. His rage was evident, but Cerberus''s fury was even more intense. Cerberus''s patience snapped. With a heavy stomp, he pressed down hard on the Hydra''s head, making it cry out in pain. "Don''t you dare speak about my master like that! You''re crossing a line, Hydra." The Hydra recoiled, but his anger was overshadowed by a wave of sorrow. Tears streamed from his eyes as he howled, his voice echoing with a deep, mournful cry. "Huhuu, brother! After millions of years, this is how you treat me?!" As the Hydra cried out, the binding chains began to weaken. The mystical energy holding him in ce flickered and lost its grip. The Hydra''s form shifted, and he transformed into a silver-scaled snake slithering across Cerberus''s body in a gesture of defeat and desperation. [System Notification] Force Contract Initiated: Hydra Contract The Hydra is to be forcibly bound to the role of a Guardian due to nonpliance and the need to align with the existing guardian system under Cerberus''s authority. The hologram disyed a new contract, outlining the terms of Hydra''s forced transition into a guardian role. The Hydra looked at the hologram with confusion. "What is this?" Cerberus, his own anger tempered by a hint of sadness, took a decisive action. He bit down hard on the Hydra''s scaled skin, causing the snake to roar in agony. Blood dripped from the wound, and the pain signaled the Hydra''s reluctant eptance of the contract. The Hydra''s cries of pain mixed with a final, resigned acknowledgment. Cerberus released his grip, and the contract was sealed. dangers of the battlefield. Cerberus''s stance remained firm. "Agree to the contract, Hydra. We need to speak in a ce where we can understand each other and address these grievances." The Hydra''s confusion turned into anger as Cerberus demanded a truce. "Just when did you be a ve to that human? Brother you have to open your eyes! A mere human is not en--" His rage was evident, but Cerberus''s fury was even more intense. Cerberus''s patience snapped. With a heavy stomp, he pressed down hard on the Hydra''s head, making it cry out in pain. Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Finally Out As Seojun slowly regained consciousness, he felt something warm and wet brushing against his face, stirring him from his sleep. He opened his eyes, and to his surprise, he was greeted by the sight of a three-headed dog, each head panting and licking his face with boundless energy. Seojun stared in disbelief. The Cerberus was smaller now, about the size of a normal dog. "Is this...?" he whispered, his voice trembling with confusion and hope. "How...?" The dog continued to shower him with affection, its eyes filled with a joyful recognition. Seojun''s heart pounded as he muttered a name, almost afraid to believe it was true. "...Huno?" The moment he said the name, the three-headed dog barked, all three heads wagging their tails in excitement. Seojun''s eyes widened as the reality of the situation hit him. "Huno... it''s really you," he breathed, his voice thick with emotion. He reached out and hugged the dog tightly, feeling its warmth and presence as a wave of relief and joy washed over him. Huno responded with even more excited barks, clearly overjoyed to be back with his master. Seojunughed, tears welling up in his eyes as he held onto the dog he had thought was lost forever. "I missed you" Seojun whispered, hugging Huno even tighter, feeling the deep bond between them stronger than ever. Later on, Seojun slowly sat up, still holding Huno close as he tried to make sense of everything. The warmth of the dog''s body wasforting, but his surroundings were anything but. He looked around and realized he was no longer in thebyrinth. Instead, he found himself in a dead, deste ce. The ground was cracked and dry, with no signs of life anywhere. The sky above was a dull, lifeless gray. His mind raced as he tried to figure out how he had ended up here. Thest thing he remembered was the battle with the Hydra . Feeling uneasy, Seojun opened his status screen. The familiar holographic interface appeared before him, and he noticed a small icon blinking in the corner¡ªa message notification. Curious, he tapped it, and a list of unread messages appeared. The first one immediately caught his attention. [System Notification] Congrattions on making a Guardian Contract! Contractor: Seojun Guardian: Hydra The Hydra, now bound by your authority, will serve as a guardian. This powerful ally will protect you, assist in battles, and offer guidance. When not inbat, it will appear in a less intimidating form to facilitate interaction. He nced at Huno, who nuzzled closer, as if sensing Seojun''s thoughts and offering silent encouragement. "Guardian Contract?" he muttered, still trying to wrap his head around it. The idea that the Hydra, such a powerful creature, was now bound to protect him and follow his orders was overwhelming. Huno, sensing his confusion, nuzzled against him, offering silentfort. Seojun sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. He was no longer in thebyrinth. As he looked around, the reality of his situation began to sink in. There were still many unread messages waiting for him. Seojun''s gaze returned to the blinking messages on his status screen. With a deep breath, he clicked on the next unread notification. [System Notification] Congrattions! You have sessfully made a contract with the Final Boss. You have sessfully cleared the Labyrinth of Destion! You will be transported to the surface in 5 seconds. Seojun''s eyes widened as he read the message. He looked around at the barren, lifelessndscape, then back at the notification. "So, I''m out¡­" he muttered to himself. The realization that he had actually cleared thebyrinth washed over him. It felt surreal, like a weight he hadn''t fully realized he was carrying had been lifted. Before he could process everything, he clicked on another unread notification. [System Notification] Level Up! You have reached Level 2000. Your hard work has unlocked incredible rewards: Volcanic Kraken Loot: Kraken''s Heart: Enhances health regeneration and boosts fire resistance by 50%. Kraken''s Fang: A versatile weapon for crafting high-tier gear. Kraken''s Scale Armor: Provides exceptional defense against physical and magical attacks. Kraken''s Core: Boosts fire-based skills and spells. New Skills Acquired: Tidal Wave: Summon a destructive wave ofva. Inferno Shield: A fiery barrier that reflects damage. Kraken''s Grip: Ethereal tentacles to bind and crush enemies. Unlocked: Guardian List A feature that allows you to manage your guardians, view their status, and summon them as needed. Item Acquired: Ring of Dominion Description: A mystical ring connected to your guardians. By calling the name of a guardian while wearing this ring, you can summon them instantly to your side. The ring also allows you tomunicate telepathically with your guardians, regardless of distance. Seojun blinked as he scrolled through the list of rewards. The sheer amount of items, skills, and new features was overwhelming. The loot from the Volcanic Kraken alone was incredible, and the new skills added to his arsenal of powers. But what really caught his attention was the *Ring of Dominion* and the *Guardian List*. He slipped the ring onto his finger, feeling a surge of power as it adjusted to him. Seojun''s eyes scanned the rest of the rewards, and one more notification caught his attention. [System Notification] Bonus Reward: - 100,000,000 Gold Coins: A substantial sum of gold added to your inventory, usable for purchasing items, upgrading equipment, and more. He couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction at seeing the gold added to his total. Seojuny down on the dry, cracked ground, closing his eyes and breathing out in relief. A small smile appeared on his face as he let himself rx for the first time in a while. The stress of thebyrinth finally seemed to be gone. But his peace didn''tst long. He suddenly felt something strange in the air. As he waved his hand, he felt a sudden impact, as though he had struck something. There was a sharp screech, and whatever it was flew away, disappearing among the dead, twisted trees. Startled, Seojun sat up quickly. "What was that?" he muttered, trying to figure out what had just happened. Huno, staying close by, looked at him with confusion. One of the Cerberus heads tilted as if it was trying to understand what had just urred. Seojun stood up, brushing off the dirt as he looked around. "Now, now¡­ where are we?" he asked, more to himself than anyone else. He opened his status screen, noticing another unread notification. Curious, he clicked on it. [System Notification] Location: Deands of Witherfall - The Deands of Witherfall is a cursed area, long abandoned by life. Thend is barren, with twisted, rotting trees and dry, cracked earth. The air is thick with a dark, ominous aura, and remnants of ancient battles still linger. - The creatures here are often mutated or corrupted, driven mad by the cursed energy in thend. - Beware of hidden dangers¡ªmany have fallen prey to the unseen threats in thesends. - Objective: Survive and find the path to the nearest safe zone. Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Dreadlands of Witherfall Seojun frowned as he read the notification. The Deands of Witherfall. He walked through the gloomy Deands of Witherfall, trying to understand why Huno was now listed as his guardian. He nced at the system and asked, ''''How did he end up on my Guardian List?'''' The system responded with a detailed message. [Huno became your guardian because of what happened in the Land of Underworld. When you freed Huno from the curse there, you created a strong bond with him. After he died due to the curse''s disappearance, Huno''s soul made a vow to follow you. His soul was then transferred into the role of a guardian.] [When you reached the right level to unlock the Guardian List, Huno''s soul was added as your guardian. This means he is nowmitted to protecting you and helping you on your journey.] Seojun nodded as he read the message. It made sense now¡ªHuno had pledged to stay by his side after being freed from the curse. "Thank you, Huno," Seojun said, looking down at the dog. Huno barked happily and wagged his three tails in response. "Then who is guarding the Underworld now? With you here, someone must have taken your ce." He added Huno let out a series of barks, his three heads moving in unison as if he were trying to convey something important. Seojun watched intently, waiting for an answer. The system responded with a new notification, tranting Huno''s barks. [The Underworld has been reassigned. Huno''s absence has been noted, and a suitable substitute has been appointed to guard the realm. The new guardian has taken on the role of overseeing the Underworld''s duties and ensuring that bnce is maintained. The transition has been handled effectively, so there should be no disruption in the realm''s protection.] Seojun sighed in relief, knowing that the Underworld was still in good hands. "Good to know," he said to Huno, patting the dog''s head. Huno responded with a happy bark, wagging his tails. As Seojun and Huno trekked through the eerie Deands, Seojun felt a sense of contentment with his loyalpanion by his side. "This is nice," he said, smiling. Suddenly, a holographic screen appeared in front of him, showing a system emoji with raised eyebrows. Seojunughed at the amusing sight. "Of course, you too," he said, acknowledging the system''s presence. Just then, Seojun felt something wriggling in his hair. He reached up and pulled out a small, silver-scaled snake. "What the¡ª" he muttered, gripping the snake gently by its head. The system''s appraisal feature activated, revealing that the snake was actually the Hydra, though its level was marked as an error. The status indicated that it was now his guardian. Seojun was shocked. "This is that Hydra?! Howe it''s so small now and... cute?" He rxed his grip and ced the tiny Hydra on his palm. The little creature stood there, hissing softly and flicking its tongue out. Seojun couldn''t help but find it endearing. The system responded, [The Hydra''s small size is due to its transformation into a guardian. If you prefer, you can unsummon the Hydra to the system space.] Seojun looked at the hologram. "What''s the system space?" he asked. The system replied, [The system space is the Guardian Resting ce, where guardians can stay when not summoned. Would you like to unsummon the Hydra?] Seojun nced at the Hydra, which was now shaking its tiny head as if pleading not to be unsummoned. Heughed at the sight. "No, system. Look at Hydra¡ªhe''s so cute. We don''t want him to be alone in the system, do we?" He petted the Hydra''s head, and it continued to nod, as if in agreement. The system disyed a -_- expression on the hologram screen, indicating mild frustration or resignation. Seojun chuckled and continued walking, the Hydrafortably resting on his shoulder. With the small guardian by his side and Huno''s steadfast presence, he felt more prepared than ever for the challenges ahead now that he havepanions. As Seojun walked through the Deands, he looked at the small Hydra in his hand and said, "Why don''t we give you a name, hmm?" The Hydra seemed excited and even crawled up onto Seojun''s head, making himugh. He gently picked up the Hydra and put it back on his palm. [You don''t have to name the Hydra, Host. It can just be called Hydra.] The Hydra''s head drooped in sadness, and Seojun noticed. He looked at the screen and then back at the Hydra, smiling. "What did the Hydra do to you, System? You seem upset with it," Seojun chuckled. The system''s response was an annoyed emoji. [The Hydra is greedy and proud. It often wants more attention than it deserves, which can be frustrating.] Seojunughed as the screen seemed to shake, almost like it was showing frustration. "Why are you so angry, System? And Huno¡­" He turned to see Huno walking slowly behind him, with its tail and ears down, looking scared. "Why are you acting like that?" Seojun asked, chuckling. "Is something wrong?" The ground suddenly shook, and a massive centipede-like creature emerged from beneath. [System Notification] Lord of the Deands of Witherfall has appeared! The system''s appraisal revealed the creature''s details. [Appraisal Activated] Creature: Lord of the Deands of Witherfall Level: 3200 Description: A colossal centipede-like entity, feared for its immense power and control over the Deands. Its screeching roar shakes the area. The Lord of the Deands of Witherfall let out a terrifying screech, causing the ground to tremble. Seojun quickly took a fighting stance, feeling excited. Huno growled loudly, its size increasing to a human-sized form The small Hydra appeared beside Seojun, its other eight heads appeared and grow to a human-sized form. Seojun nced at hispanions and felt a thrill of excitement. "This is interesting! Let''s take it slow Guys!" he said eagerly and the two understand that taking it slow means not in their original size. Seojun stood ready, his heart pounding in his chest as the massive centipede-like creature¡ªLord of the Deands of Witherfall¡ªtowered over him. "Alright, stay focused," he muttered to himself, taking a deep breath. His eyes flicked to Huno, his three-headed dogpanion, who growled low and steady, each head baring its teeth. The creature screeched again, a bone-rattling sound that seemed to echo off the barren, twisted trees around them. Its segmented body was covered in a hard, dark exoskeleton, and its many legs skittered across the cracked earth, churning up dust. The air was thick with tension. Chapter 18: Chapter 18: Conqueror of Witherfall "Let''s go," Seojun whispered. He took a step forward, his eyes locked on the creature''s face, and dashed toward it, keeping his body low. The centipedeshed out with its front legs, each as thick as a tree trunk, aiming to crush him. Seojun twisted to the side, narrowly dodging the strike. His instincts screamed at him to move faster. He rolled under another swipe and shed at one of the creature''s legs, his sword barely scratching the tough shell. "Damn, that thing''s hard," he muttered, jumping back. The creature''s beady eyes glinted, and it lunged forward, its mouth parts snapping dangerously close. Seojun sidestepped again, sweat starting to form on his brow. He had to be smarter about this. His attacks wouldn''t work if he kept hitting the exoskeleton. "Huno, distract it!" he shouted. Huno sprang into action, his three heads barking furiously. The creature turned its attention to the Cerberus, giving Seojun a moment to think. His eyes darted across the creature''s body, searching for a weakness. The joints! The softer flesh between its segments. Seojun charged again, this time aiming for the exposed parts of the centipede''s body. His sword struck true, piercing into the softer flesh. The creature screeched in pain, twisting its body and sending a powerful tail swipe in his direction. Seojun barely managed to raise his arm in time to block with his sword, but the force of the impact sent him skidding backward, nearly losing his footing. The Hydra, towering over Seojun, hissed and then lunged forward. It opened its fanged mouth and unleashed a spray of venom directly into the creature''s eyes. The centipede roared, momentarily blinded, thrashing its head from side to side in pain. "Nice one," Seojun said, giving the Hydra a quick nod. He sprinted forward, taking advantage of the opening. This time, he managed to cut deep into the creature''s side. Green blood oozed from the wound, sizzling as it hit the ground. But the creature wasn''t done. With a furious screech, it began spinning its body, kicking up a whirlwind of dust and debris. Seojun covered his face, trying to shield his eyes, but the force of the wind pushed him back. He felt the sharp sting of small rocks pelting his skin. "Huno, stay back!" he called out, seeing the dog get knocked off its feet. Huno managed to dig its ws into the ground, holding steady. Seojun narrowed his eyes, focusing through the chaos. He had to get close again, but the spinning was creating a barrier. "Think, Seojun," he muttered. His mind raced, trying to figure out how to break through. He nced around, spotting one of the twisted trees. An idea formed. "Huno, on me! We''re going for the high ground!"Huno barked in response, rushing over to him. Seojun ran toward the tree, using it as a springboard. He leaped off, using the momentum tounch himself high into the air. As he soared above the creature, he raised his sword, aiming for its head. "Now!" he yelled. The Hydra, using its powerful tail as leverage,unched itself upwards as well. With surprising agility, it shed with its ws at one of the centipede''s legs, creating another opening. Seojun came down with all his might, plunging his sword deep into the centipede''s head. The creature let out a deafening screech, its body convulsing in pain. Seojun held on tight, his muscles straining as the beast tried to shake him off. "Come on¡­ just a bit more!" he grunted, twisting the de. Suddenly, the centipede''s movements slowed. Its screeches turned into a low, rumbling groan. With a final shudder, it copsed to the ground, its body twitching before falling still. Seojun stood over the massive body of the fallen centipede, catching his breath. Dust settled around him, and his muscles felt heavy, but he was grinning. The fight had pushed him to his limits, and he could feel himself growing stronger with each battle. He nced at hispanions¡ª "Nice work, both of you," Seojun said, smiling. Ding! [Congrattions Host! You have defeated the Lord of the Deands of Witherfall] The Deands recognize your strength. Your battle instincts have sharpened. You are more aware of the flow ofbat. [Title Acquired: "Conqueror of Centipedes.] Gold Coins obtained: 100,000. Loot obtained: Centipede''s Mandibles, Enchanted Chitin Fragments, Vial of Venomous Blood. [New Weapon Acquired: Grim Reaver - A cursed scythe that feeds on the souls of its enemies. This weapon grows stronger with each kill and is bound to its wielder.] Seojun blinked, reading the notification. His eyes stopped at the mention of a new weapon. "A scythe from a centipede?" he said, amused. He dug through the remains and found a strange, dark metal handle. Pulling it free, he revealed arge, curved scythe. It looked deadly and almost seemed to hum with energy in his hands. "Grim Reaver, huh?" He swung it slowly, feeling its weight and bnce. It felt almost alive, like it was hungry for more fights. "Guess you''ll do," he muttered, still smiling. [System Notification] [Hydra has leveled up! ] Abilities improved: Venom Spray, Twin Fang Fury. New Ability Unlocked: Scaled Shield ¨C Temporarily hardens scales to block attacks. [Huno has leveled up! ] Abilities improved: Tri-Jaw Bite, Howling Roar. New Ability Unlocked: Cerberus w ¨C A powerful swipe that causes bleeding and lowers an enemy''s defense. Seojun watched as both Huno and the Hydra seemed to glow briefly, their bodies gaining a new strength. The Hydra''s scales shined brighter, and Huno barked happily, his heads nodding in excitement. "Look at you two," Seojun said, chuckling. [System Notification] You have leveled up! Skills improved: Advanced Swordsmanship, Battle Awareness. Title Effect Activated: "Conqueror of Centipedes" - Boosts attack power and defense against stronger enemies. Small chance to scare weaker ones. A rush of energy flowed through Seojun. His body felt lighter, his senses sharper. Minutester, after recovering, Seojun and his two guardians continued walking through the destend, his new scythe resting on his shoulder. Seojun, curious, checked his status, but found the level numbers missing. He frowned and asked, "Where are my levels?" A holographic disy from the system appeared, showing an apologetic emoji. [I''m sorry, Host. There is an error with the Abyssal Realm''s system. Your level numbers are temporarily unavable due to ongoing integration issues.] He frowned at first, then nodded and said, "It''s just numbers. The important thing is I can feel myself getting stronger. Hope it gets fixed soon, system" [Yes, host.] Huno trotted beside him, and the Hydra, now back in its smaller form, coiled around his wrist like a living bracelet. As he moved, he thought about the recent battle and how well they had fought together. "It''s strange," Seojun muttered, ncing at Huno and the Hydra. "It was like we were moving as one, even though it was our first time fighting together like that." Chapter 19: Chapter 19: The Abyssal Calamity [The synchronization you experienced is due to the Guardian Contract. When a guardian bonds with a master, their instincts and thoughts can align in battle. This makes them react faster, understand each other''s movements, and fight as a unified force.] Seojun nodded, thinking it over. "So, That''s why It felt like you two already knew what I was going to do next." He looked at Huno, who barked in agreement, and the Hydra, which let out a small hiss, almost like a nod. They seemed to understand him better than he had expected. Seojun thought for a moment, then asked, "So they can level up too? Just like me?" [Yes, as they became your guardians, their levels were adjusted to match yours when the contract was formed. Now, they will gain experience and level up alongside you. As you grow stronger, so will they.] Seojun smiled at the idea. "That''s nice," he said, feeling a warmth in his chest. "I''m not alone anymore." He had been alone for so long, fighting and struggling, but now, he hadpanions who would grow with him. "I''m starting to enjoy this." Looking down at the Hydra on his wrist, he realized he hadn''t given it a proper name yet. It felt wrong to keep calling it just ''the Hydra.'' He thought back to the legends he''d read and his knowledge of mythical creatures. "Si," he said thoughtfully, testing the name. "How about that? Si. You''ve got a strong bite and a fierce spirit. It suits you." The Hydra¡ªnow Si¡ªlifted its head and hissed softly, as if epting the name with pride. Seojun chuckled, feeling a strange bond forming between them. "Alright," he said, his tone lighter, almost cheerful. "Let''s keep moving. We''ve got a lot more to do and a lot more to get stronger for." A sudden, clear ding resonated in the air. Seojun''s system chimed in with an urgent message: [WARNING! WARNING!] Danger Alert! [The Abyss Cmity is approaching. Seek a Safe Zone immediately.] Seojun looked around frantically. The world around him was shaking, and dark energies began to swirl in the distance. The air was heavy, almost suffocating. "We need to move, now," Seojun said urgently. Huno, his three-headed dog, growled and darted towards a massive rock formation nearby. At its base, there was a dark hole that looked like an entrance. As they neared the entrance, Seojun couldn''t help but think, ''What exactly is an Abyss Cmity?'' He was curious but had no time to dwell on it. Just then, Huno bit at the torn fabric of Seojun''s clothes, pulling him with a sense of urgency. It was clear Huno wanted to reach the safe zone quickly. They squeezed into the rock''s entrance, the space just big enough for them. Inside, they huddled together, the cool, damp air a stark contrast to the chaos outside. The countdown continued in front of Seojun''s eyes: [Abyss Cmity Arrival: 00:29... 00:28...] [00:20...] [00:15...] [00:05...] [00:03... 00:02... 00:01...] Suddenly, a massive shadow appeared above them. It looked like a giant jellyfish, but instead of swimming, it used its long, flowing tentacles like feet. As it loomed overhead, everything around them turned to ash. The dead trees and witherednd of Witherfall became even more deste, turning into a gray, lifeless wastnd. Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. "What the hell is that?!" he shouted, staring at the monstrous entity. Just then, a system notification appeared: [System Notification: Abyss Cmity ¨C The Devourer] Status: - Type: Colossal Abyssal Entity - Appearance: Jellyfish-like with massive, flowing tentacles - Effects: Devours all life and corrupts thend, turning flora and fauna into ash - Threat Level:Extreme The entity passed over them, its presence a harbinger of devastation. Seojun knew they had to stay hidden until the threat was gone. An hour had passed since the terrifying Abyss Cmity had passed overhead. Inside the cramped safe zone, Seojun and Huno remained huddled, their nerves still on edge. Finally, the system chimed in with a wee update: [Ding! The Abyss Cmity has passed. It is now safe to leave the Safe Zone.] Seojun let out a deep breath, He stretched, feeling the stiffness from sitting in such a confined space for so long. Huno''s middle head gave a relieved bark, while the other two heads nodded in agreement. Seojun couldn''t help but smile, even in the dire circumstances. "Well," he said "I didn''t know jellyfish could be that scary." Huno''s middle head tilted to the side, its expression one of clear confusion. The other two heads looked at Seojun, then at each other, trying to understand the concept of a jellyfish. Seojun chuckled softly and scratched his neck. "You''re probably wondering what a jellyfish is, huh?" he said, noticing Huno''s bemused reaction. "Well, they''re these sea creatures, kind of like floating blobs with long, wiggly tentacles. They''re usually harmless, but they can sting if you get too close." Huno''s heads continued to look bewildered. Seojun smiled and added, "I''ll show you what a jellyfish looks like once we''re back on Earth. For now, let''s just be d we''re safe." With a gentle pat on Huno''s head, he took a deep breathe and asked system. "What''s next?" [In order to proceed, you must defeat the Abyss Cmity.] Seojun''s eyes widened in disbelief. "What?! That huge monster?!" [Why? Are you scared, Host? Don''t you want to go home?] Seojun''s expression rxed into a wry smile as he responded, "You know, sometimes I think you have a grudge against me. Sending me after that giant monster, really?" [...] Seojun could almost sense an invisible shrug. "Well, it''s not like I have much of a choice. Well, I need to prepare." He sat down on the ground, feeling the rough texture of the terrain beneath him. His clothes were in shreds, a sign of the harsh fights he had been through. As he settled, he opened his inventory to check what he had recently collected. Thetest items from the centipede battle appeared: 1. Centipede''s Mandibles- Sharp and deadly, these are the powerful jaws of the giant centipede. They could be used as weapons or for crafting. 2. Enchanted Chitin Fragments - Pieces of the centipede''s tough outer shell, imbued with magical properties. These fragments can be used to enhance armor or create magical items. 3. Vial of Venomous Blood - A vial filled with the centipede''s poisonous blood. It can be used to create potent toxins or enhance weapons with venom. Seojun shook his head as he looked at the items. "None of these I can wear," he said to himself. He continued to browse through his inventory and soon found the loot he had obtained from the Volcanic Kraken. Mo Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Preparation Seojun continued to sift through his inventory, his mind racing with the need to make the right choices for the uing battle. He focused on the Kraken''s Scale Armor, his fingers hovering over it. He clicked on the item, and the description appeared: Kraken''s Scale Armor: Provides exceptional defense against physical and magical attacks. He clicked the "Equip" option, and the armor materialized on the ground before him. It was a formidable piece of gear, gleaming with a dark, iridescent sheen. Seojun left it there for the moment, nning to put it on after he finished evaluating his other items. He then turned his attention back to his inventory, struggling to decide which items to use. He browsed through the list of newly acquired loot: zing Essence - This item can be used to imbue your weapons with fire attributes, increasing their effectiveness inbat or to craft powerful fire-based potions. Seojun had acquired 5 vials of zing Essence, a valuable resource for enhancing his weapons or creating fire-based enhancements. High-Grade Healing Potions- These potions offer rapid and effective healing. Seojun had collected 12 of these from various battles on the 100th floor. They were essential for staying in top shape during prolonged fights. Monster Cores - Various cores from defeated monsters, including: - Fire Core - A core imbued with elemental fire energy. - Ice Core - A core filled with chilling frost energy. - Lightning Core - A core that crackles with electric energy. me Dagger - A dagger imbued with fire attributes, enhancing its lethality in closebat. Cursed Sword - A powerful sword with dark enchantments that can drain life from enemies butes with potential risks for the user. Seojun felt overwhelmed by the number of options. Each item had its advantages, but he needed to choose carefully to maximize his effectiveness against the Abyss Cmity. Seojun continued to sift through his inventory, trying to make sense of the vast array of items he had collected. Among them were several new loots he had obtained from his battles: Fire Smander''s Scales- Tough, heat-resistant scales that can be used to craft fire-resistant armor or potions. He had collected 8 of these. Smander''s me Tongue - A small, enchanted me that can be used to create fire-based weapons or potions. Glimmering Ashes - Magical ashes from defeated fire monsters, useful in creating potent fire-based enchantments. He had gathered 6 vials. Frost Spider''s Silk - An incredibly strong and cold-resistant silk that can be used to craft lightweight but durable clothing or traps. He had 7 pieces. Lightning Beetle''s Carapace - A shell that conducts electricity, useful for crafting or enhancing items with electric properties. He had 5 carapaces. Abyssal Shards- Shards from abyssal creatures, used in creating or enhancing dark magic items. He had 4 shards. and more. Seojun''s mind raced as he wondered how he could survive the Abyss Cmity. The enormous jellyfish-like creature was a formidable opponent, and he needed more than just equipment to face it. The system interrupted his thoughts, [Would you like me to show the full status of the Abyss Cmity?] "Yes," Seojun replied. The system disyed the details of the Abyss Cmity: [Abyss Cmity: Whitherfall Devourer] Strengths: - Immense Size: Itsrge body and tentacles can cause massive area damage. - Toxic Tentacles: The tentacles deliver a potent toxin that can weaken or paralyze foes. - Dark Aura: It emits a dark aura that can sap the strength and morale of nearby enemies. - Illusion: Can use illusion against its enemy Weaknesses: - Light Sensitivity: The creature is sensitive to bright lights and might be weakened by intense light-based attacks. - Cold Damage: Its body is less resistant to cold and ice attacks. The weaknesses offered potential strategies: he could use light and cold-based attacks to his advantage. He began formting a n, selecting the appropriate items from his inventory to exploit these weaknesses. As Seojun prepared his gear, the system''s interface flickered to life. [Would you like me to Forge and Enchance your items, Host?] Seojun''s curiosity was piqued. "Can you do that, System?" he asked, hoping for a positive response. [Anything for you, Host,] In an instant, all the items Seojun had scattered on the ground vanished. The system continued with a follow-up message: [Initializing Forging and enhancement process. This will take approximately one hour or more. Please be patient.] Seojun watched as the items disappeared.Seojun muttered to himself, "Looks like it''s going to take a while. I should do something instead of just sitting around." He stood up and began a series of exercises to keep himself active. As he worked through his routine, a notification popped up: [Combat Skills Enhanced] Martial Arts Mastery: Skill Progress: Your extensive training and physical exercise have resulted in a significant boost to your Martial Arts skills. This includes enhancements to your speed, precision, and overallbat effectiveness. Your movements are now more fluid and your strikes more impactful, allowing for greater control and efficiency in battle. Curious, Seojun headed outside, his mind clear and focused. He spotted a massive rock in the distance and decided to test his abilities. He assumed a fighting stance and threw a powerful punch at the rock. It shattered into pieces, sending debris flying. Seojun examined his handiwork and murmured, "This Bone Crusher skill is really helpful. I wonder how it will fare against the Abyss Cmity." At that moment, a new notification appeared [Bone Crusher Skill Level Up.] Seojun was sifting through his inventory when he heard a sudden explosion. He quickly raised his arms to shield himself from the flying rocks. As the debris settled, he looked up and saw Huno standing in front of him, wagging its tail with a proud expression. "Wow, did you do that?" Seojun asked, astonished. Huno barked proudly, then did a little circle, his tail wagging energetically. Seojun chuckled and said, "Do it again!" Huno barked once more, and Seojun watched as the three-headed Cerberus shrank down to its normal size, resembling an ordinary dog. Huno trotted off to find another rock, ready to demonstrate its abilities. Huno concentrated and activated his new skill, Cerberus w. A fierce, glowing aura enveloped Huno''s ws as he lunged at the rock, tearing it apart with ease. The rock disintegrated under the powerful attack. Seojun pped in approval, and Huno bounded back to him, tail wagging. Seojun knelt down and petted Huno, appreciating the disy of skill. Chapter 21: Chapter 21: The Old Seojun As Seojun was petting Huno, he noticed another silver-scaled snake slither out from the shadows. It was Si, now the same size as Huno. Si seemed a bit jealous and wanted some attention too. Seojunughed as he saw Si''s jealous act. "Looks like you want some pets too, huh?" he said with a smile. He reached out and began to pet Si, who happily curled up next to him, nudging for more affection. Just then, Seojun spotted movement behind him. Before he could react, Si sprang into action. With a quick, sharp bite from his Twin Fang Fury skill, Si took down a hidden creature that was about to attack Seojun. After defeating the creature, Si brought it back to Seojun, acting proudly. His tail wagged like a dog showing off a prize. Seojun was surprised and put his hand over his mouth, trying not tough. "Well, aren''t you a brave defender?" he said, finding Si''s disy very cute. Huno joined in, nudging Si with his snout. Seojun smiled and looked at the dead creature Si had brought to him and said, "Let''s see what this sneaky thing was doing behind me." He activated his appraisal skill, and the details of the creature appeared before him: [Appraisal Activated] - Name: Burrowing Stinger - Description: A creature that lives underground, about the size of an adult dog. It has a sleek, elongated body covered in dark, mottled scales. Its most notable features are its sharp, barbed stingers protruding from its sides and a pair of beady, menacing eyes that glow faintly in the dark. The creature''s mouth is lined with small, sharp teeth. - Strengths: Stealthy, with the ability to surprise foes from below. Its stingers are highly venomous. - Weaknesses: Vulnerable when emerging from the ground, and its size limits its overall strength. Seojun examined the creature''s appearance with interest. "Looks like this thing was trying to catch me off guard. Good thing Si was on alert," he said, patting Si on the head. As Seojun continued his exercise routine, he was unaware of the tension brewing behind arge rock. Huno and Si, now hidden from view, exchanged fierce res. Huno, his fur bristling with irritation, growled softly. "How dare you act so friendly towards my master?" he muttered, his eyes narrowed with disdain. "Why are you acting like this now, when before you were insulting him?" Si''s silver scales glinted in the dim light as he hissed back, "He''s also my master. Why should you get all the attention?" Huno''s growl deepened. "You''re just jealous because I''ve been with him longer. You think you can just waltz in and take his attention away?" Si flicked his tail with irritation, his serpentine form shifting restlessly. "Jealous? No, I''m just as much his guardian as you are. I''m acting like this because I''vee to understand his worth, and I want to be close to him. If anything, you should be the one who''s jealous. I''ve proven my worth." Huno''s eyes shed with determination. "We''ll see about that. I''m not backing down. If you think you can outshine me, you''ve got another thinging." "Bring it on. I''ll prove that I''m just as valuable to him as you are. B.R.O.T.H.E.R." With a fierce growl and a burst of energy, both of them leapt into the air, their forms gliding with deadly grace. Huno''s heads snarled in unison, while Si''s tailsshed with silver intensity. As Seojun did push-ups, he nced up and noticed Huno and Si wrestling behind the rock. They were rolling on the ground, biting each other''s tails and snapping at each other. Their movements were a mix of aggression andpetitive energy. Seojun couldn''t help butugh at the sight. He paused his exercise, watching the two with amusement. "Look at them, getting along," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. [It will take too long to your items, Host] the system hologram showed. [I suggest you go to sleep."] Seojun, stretching and feeling the strain in his muscles, nodded. "Yeah, I should condition my body." Huno and Si, who had been locked in a heated argument, suddenly stopped as they heard Seojun''s decision. Their fierce res softened as they exchanged looks of realization. Without wasting a moment, they both sprang into action. Huno, his fur bristling with a mix of irritation and urgency, and Si, his silver scales shimmering with determined energy, raced to Seojun. As Seojun made his way to the cave''s safe zone, he settled onto the ground, ready to rest. Huno and Si, each driven by their own desire to be close to their master, began pulling him towards their sides. Huno barked and tugged at Seojun''s sleeve gently, his grip firm yet tender. Si coiled around Seojun, pulling him closer with his smooth, serpentine body.Seojunughed softly at their efforts and, feeling theirbined warmth and affection, decided to embrace the moment. He reached out and wrapped his arms around both Huno and Si, pulling them into a close hug. "Don''t fight," Seojun said with a smile. "Let''s just sleep together." With that, hey down on the ground, Huno and Si snuggled up beside him. A soft glow filled the cave as Seojun''s protective barrier activated, creating a secure, shimmering shield around them. The gentle light mixed with the shadows, making the space feel peaceful and safe.As Seojun drifted into sleep, he suddenly found himself in a familiar ce. In his dream, Seojun walked down the sidewalk carrying a lunch box, excited to share a meal with his mother after his morning shift. The sun was shining, and he was looking forward to the simple pleasure of their lunchtime together. As he walked, a car suddenly pulled up behind him. Without warning, a hand reached out from the car window and snatched the lunch box from his grasp. "Hey! That''s mine!" Seojun shouted, turning around in shock. The car came to a stop, and a man got out, grinning. Seojun''s eyes widened as he recognized him. "N-no, take it. It''s yours," Seojun stammered, trying to walk away quickly. But the man grabbed Seojun''s cor, still grinning. "Did you just shout at me?" Seojun''s heart raced with fear. He shook his head, apologizing urgently. "I''m sorry, Kyle! I didn''t mean to! If you want the lunch box, it''s all yours!" Kyle''s grin widened as he opened the lunch box. "You think I''m going to eat this poor people''s food?" he sneered. Then, with a cruelugh, he mmed the food into Seojun''s face. The force of the impact made Seojun fall to the ground, his nose starting to bleed. Kyle leaned in close, his voice a menacing whisper. "You think we won''t meet again after graduation? Lucky for you, I decided to visit." He kicked Seojun''s face, looking down at him with disgust. "It''s been just a month, and you haven''t changed? You still look like a ghost. You should put on some weight so you can handle my anger better." Chapter 22: Chapter 22: The Old Seojun(2) As Kyle prepared to kick Seojun again, a voice from behind him stopped him in his tracks. It was Kyle''s butler, whispering urgently, "Sir, look around. People are watching." Kyle nced around and saw a crowd of onlookers, their faces filled with curiosity and shock. Realizing he was drawing too much attention, Kyle''s expression shifted from cruel glee to a calcted smirk. He sat down next to Seojun, who was still on the ground, his long hair and bangs syed messily over his face. Seojun''s clothes were tattered, and his thin frame was barely visible beneath them. Kyle grabbed Seojun''s hair, pulling his head back so that Seojun had no choice but to look up at him. Leaning close, Kyle whispered harshly, "Next time we meet, get chubby so I can enjoy it a little more. You understand that, you piece of shit?" Seojun nodded weakly, his face flushed with embarrassment and pain. The humiliation was almost too much to bear. Kyle released Seojun''s hair and stood up, giving him onest disdainful look. "You''re pathetic," he spat before walking back to his car. With a final sneer, Kyle climbed into the vehicle, which sped away, leaving Seojun on the ground. As the car disappeared, the crowd around Seojun started to murmur, their whispers blending into a buzz of spection and concern. Seojun remained on the ground, his nose bleeding and his body trembling from the ordeal. His long hair fell across his face, partially concealing the tears that he fought to hold back. As Seojuny on the ground, trying to regain hisposure, he noticed someone approaching to help. Panic surged through him, and he scrambled to his feet, running away before the person could reach him. He darted down a dark alley, the shadows swallowing him as he sought refuge. In the alley, Seojun leaned against the cool, rough wall, taking a moment to clean his face. He wiped away the blood and food with his sleeve, the harsh reality of the situation weighing heavily on him. The thought of getting lunch for his mother and making sure she had what she needed filled his mind. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the money he had¡ªhis wages from his job." It wasn''t much, but it was all he had. As he leaned against the wall, he reflected on how this amount was not enough. He needed to buy medicine for his mother, who had been struggling with her health. Taking a deep breath, Seojun steadied himself. He knew he had to be strong for his mother. "This is okay," he whispered to himself. "I''ll just need to work tonight to make up for it." With renewed determination, Seojun stood up and headed back to buy food for his mother. He made his way to the small shop where his mother worked¡ªa modest, family-run grocery store nestled on a quiet street. The shop was filled with theforting scents of fresh produce and baked goods, but today, the atmosphere felt heavy. As Seojun approached, he saw his mother behind the counter. She was hunched over, coughing weakly. Her face looked pale and tired, and the sight of her struggling made Seojun''s heart ache. He walked inside, trying to mask his own pain with a brave smile. "Mom, I''ve got lunch for you," he said, cing the food on the counter. His mother looked up, her eyes softening with a mix of relief and worry. "Thank you, Seojun," her voice hoarse. "You shouldn''t have had to deal with that..." Seojun shook his head. "It''s okay, Mom. I''ll take care of everything. Just focus on getting better." Seojun stood behind the counter, watching his mother as she continued to work despite her evident fatigue. The grocery store''s quiet hum seemed to underscore the heaviness in the air. He knew he had to address the situation directly, for her sake. "Mom," Seojun said gently, trying to keep his voice steady, "we need to talk." His mother looked up from the register, her tired eyes meeting his. She saw the determination in his gaze and knew this wasn''t a simple conversation. "What''s wrong, Seojun?" "I''ve been thinking," Seojun began, "you shouldn''t be working here anymore. You''re not well, and I can handle everything. I''m working full-time now, and I''ll make sure we have enough." His mother hesitated, her hand trembling slightly as she wiped down the counter. "But Seojun, we need the money. If I stop working¡ª" Seojun cut her off gently, but firmly. "Mom, please. You''re sick, and it''s not fair for you to push yourself like this. I''ve got a job, and I''m making enough to cover our expenses. You need to focus on getting better. I''ll handle the rest." Her eyes filled with tears, a mix of relief and worry. "But I don''t want to be a burden to you." "You''re not a burden," Seojun said, his voice firm and reassuring. "You''ve done so much for me. It''s my turn to take care of you now. Just let me do this. We''ll manage, I promise." His mother looked at him and nodded slowly. "Alright, Seojun. If you''re sure you can handle it, I''ll stop working. But please, take care of yourself too." Seojun smiled, reaching across the counter to take her hand. "I will, Mom. I promise." They shared a moment of quiet understanding, the weight of their mutual concerns lifting slightly. Seojun knew the road ahead wouldn''t be easy, but having his mother''s support and knowing he could provide for her gave him the strength to face whatever challengesy ahead Seojun gently told his mother, "I''ll wait for you outside, Mom. Talk to your manager and take care of things here." He stepped outside the grocery store and heard murmurs from the nearby coworkers who had gathered by the entrance. Their voices carried over the street. "Is that Seoyang''s son?" one worker whispered, ncing at Seojun. "He looks so thin. Does he even eat?" another added, casting a critical eye at his worn clothes. "Yeah, and those clothes are barely holding together," someone else chimed in. Seojun tried to ignore thements,He hoped his mother''s conversation with her manager would be quick and smooth. He leaned against the wall, waiting, until his mother finally emerged from the store with a relieved smile. As they walked together, Seojun noticed how the stress had aged her. Despite her rtively young appearance, deep wrinkles and dark eye bags marred her once smooth face. Her body seemed thinner, worn from the burden she had carried for so long. As they walked, his mother started to cough uncontrobly. Seojun''s concern grew, and he quickly guided her to a nearby bench. "Wait here, Mom. I''ll get some water for you," he said, trying to keep his voice calm and reassuring. His mother nodded, struggling to catch her breath. "Be careful, Seojun." Seojun ran to the nearest convenience store, hoping to find water quickly. As he emerged with a bottle in hand, a ck van screeched to a halt beside him. Before he could react, a rough hand covered his mouth, and he was pulled into the van. Inside the vehicle, he struggled, but the attackers were too strong. The van sped away, leaving his mother behind, who had stood up in panic. "Seojun! No! My son!" she cried, reaching out with a desperate scream. "Help! Anybody Help us!...Seojun!" But it was toote. The van was already speeding away, and despite her frantic efforts, there was nothing she could do. Seojun''s mother stood there, helpless and terrified, her cries echoing down the street as the van disappeared from sight. Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Infinite System Activated Seojun woke up with a start as cold water was sshed on his face. He blinked, finding himself tied to a chair in a dark, concrete room. The air was thick and musty, and several rough-looking men stood around him, ring with cruel eyes. One of the men, holding a metal bucket, sneered at Seojun. "Look who''s finally awake. Ready for some fun?" Seojun''s mind raced as he remembered the van, his mother''s cries, and his capture. "Why are you doing this?" he asked weakly. A man with a scar on his face stepped closer. "You know why. Your family owes us money, and you''re going to pay for it." Seojun''s heart sank. He knew why they were in debt. He had borrowed money to pay for his mother''s medical bills when she was sick. "I''m the one who got us into debt," he said. "It''s my fault, not my mother''s." The scarred man''s eyes narrowed. "Exactly. You thought you could just get away from your debts? Now you''re going to pay." Seojun''s stomach churned. "Please, I''ll find a way to pay it back. Just let me go." One of the men picked up a rusty tool, his face hard. "We don''t want your promises. You need to learn your lesson. You made the deal, so you suffer." The men began to torture him, using the tools they had. Despite his struggles, Seojun couldn''t escape. His vision blurred, and the pain made him lose consciousness. When he woke up again, he felt a cold breeze on his face. He opened his eyes and found himself on a bridge, lying on the ground. The cool air and the sound of rushing water below filled him with panic. He struggled to get up, looking around in fear. His hands were still bound, and he had no idea how he had ended up here. The realization of his vulnerable situation hit him hard. He had to find a way to escape and get back to his mother before it was toote. Seojun''s fear intensified as he heard footsteps approaching. Two of the men who had tortured him earlier came back, looking more determined than before. They grabbed him by the hair, pulling his head back roughly. "Listen carefully," the scarred man said, his voice cold. "Your life and your mother''s are enough to settle the debt." Seojun struggled against his restraints, his eyes wide with desperation. "Please, don''t hurt my mother! Just do whatever you want with me-just don''t touch her!" The men ignored his pleas, their faces showing no sign of mercy. One of them pulled out a knife, its de glinting in the dim light. Seojun''s heart raced as the man approached, a cruel smile on his lips. "Your suffering is just beginning," the man said, raising the knife. Seojun''s mind raced as he tried to preparefor the pain. He shut his eyes tightly, trying to focus on thoughts of his mother. But the pain was immediate and excruciating. The knife sliced through his arm, and a scream tore from his throat. "Ahhhhh!" Seojun shouted in agony. The de cut deeper, and blood flowed freely from the wound. Seojun writhed in the chair, tears streaming down his face as the pain overwhelmed him. He could barely see through the tears, his vision clouded by the intensity of his suffering. The men continued their work with methodical cruelty, each cut a reminder of his helplessness. Seojun''s cries echoed in the empty space, filled with desperation and anguish. "Stop! Please!" Seojun begged between screams. " Just let me go! I''ll find a way to pay you back!" ''I can''t die here not that they''ll hurt Mom Next'' his thoughy, The leader, a grim-faced man with cold eyes, finished slicing through Seojun''s arm. Seojun''s screams had dwindled to weak, hoarse gasps as the pain and blood loss took their toll. The leader wiped the bloody knife on Seojun''s cheek, a cruel smirk ying on his lips. "You''ve had enough," the leader said with chilling calmness. "We''re done with you. Throw him in the river. We won''t gain anything from this skeleton." The men, with no trace of sympathy, dragged Seojun from the chair. His weakened body barely resisted as they hauled him towards the bridge''s edge. The cold wind stung his skin, and the sound of rushing water below seemed to grow louder, echoing in his ears. Seojun''s vision swam, his body trembling uncontrobly from shock and pain. His arms, now barely usable and bleeding, were barely functional. As they prepared to throw him over the edge, he tried to muster his remaining strength to plead with them. "Please..." Seojun croaked, his voice barely audible. "D-Don''t hurt her" The men ignored his pleas, their faces set in grim determination. They dragged him closer to the edge, the drop to the river below looking increasingly menacing. The leader stood by, watching with a detached interest. "Hurry up. We''ve got better things to do than deal with a dying man." The men held Seojun over the edge, his feet barely touching the ground. The cold air from the river below felt like a final, harsh embrace. Seojun''s heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with thoughts of his mother and the promise he had made to protect her suddenly, he fall to the ground before they could threw him and his vision cleared just enough to see shadows of people moving around him. He wasid on the ground, the pain from his wounds making it hard to focus. Through his haze, he saw figures rushing to help him attacking the kidnappers. Weakly, he tried to crawl towards an open car nearby, his blood leaving a trail behind him. As he reached the car, he noticed a familiar sight: the book he had found in the basement was lying on the seat. With his remaining strength, he pushed himself into the car, his body trembling uncontrobly. He reached for the book, but his energy was spent. He fell to the car floor, his blood staining the book''s cover. Just as he was about to lose consciousness, a series of notifications echoed in his mind: [System Notification] Initializing... Blood absorptionplete. Analyzing hostpatibility... Error: Expected female host detected as male. Confirming gic lineage... Gic verificationplete: Seojun is confirmed as only child of [Han] Exception detected: Lack of female heir. [System Notification] Scanning for alternate qualifications... Han Seojun possesses required ancestral bloodline markers. Confirming maternal gic traits present. Exception override: Initiating system adaptation for male host. [System Notification] Binding processmencing... Transformation into Infinite Ring: Complete. System Initialization: 80%... 90%... 100%. [INFINITE SYSTEM ACTIVATED!] Host: Seojun, first male host in [Han Family] Note: System adaptation may cause unforeseen effects. [Wee, Han Seojun. Please proceed with the system tutorial or explore functionalities at your discretion.] As the system''s voice faded, Seojuny on the car floor, barely conscious but with a strange sense of newfound purpose. The book, now stained with his blood, seemed to pulse with a faint, mystical light as it began to draw in the blood with an almost hungry energy. Suddenly, with a brilliant sh, the book transformed into a ring and slipped onto his finger. A system notification dinged loudly, and a holographic screen materialized in front of him: DING! [System Alert: Healing the Host] Restoring Vitality and Regenerating Wounds... As the message faded, Seojun felt a soothing warmth spread through his body. His cut arms began to mend, the flesh knitting together with remarkable speed, and the pain subsided as the wounds healed. Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Rivalry Seojun''s eyes shot open, and he immediately sat up, breathing hard. His heart was racing, his chest heaving as if he had just sprinted a mile. Slowly, Seojun raised his hands to his face, rubbing his eyes as if trying to scrub away the remnants of the awful dream. "A dream..." he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. When he finally opened his eyes again, he noticed something strange. Seojun took a deep breath, looking around. "Huno? Si?" he called out. His two guardians, who were almost always by his side, were nowhere to be seen or sensed. "Where are those two?" he muttered, Meanwhile, not far from where Seojun stood, Huno and Si were causing their own littlepetition. The ground around them was a mess¡ªdirt flying everywhere, small craters dotting thendscape as the two creaturespeted in their strange game. Huno, in his adult dog size form, was digging up the ground with his strong, powerful paws, each of his three heads sniffing the air and ground with keen interest. "There! Another one!" Huno barked, his middle head leading the charge. His tail wagged with excitement as he uncovered a burrower¡ªa nasty creature that looked like a giant scorpion with a razor-sharp tail. The burrower shot out of the ground, aiming its stinger at Huno''s side. But Huno was ready; he swatted it aside with a Cerberus wnand finished it off with a powerful Tri-Jaw Bite, tearing it to pieces. "That''s thirteen for me, snaky!" Huno growled triumphantly, all three heads grinning. Si, who had been using his long, agile body to lure out the burrowers and then strike them down, hissed in annoyance. "Thirteen? Only because you''re making a mess and scaring them over to my side!" he retorted, hissing or flicking its tongue. "Not my fault they''re drawn to a real hunter," Huno barked back, his middle head snapping its jaws while his left and right heads chuckled. Si''s eyes narrowed, his main head giving a sly smile. "Oh, I''m notining," his voice dripping with mock sweetness. Suddenly, he whipped his tail around, grabbing a defeated burrower, and flung it right at Huno''s heads. The creature sttered against Huno''s left head, sending goo and bits flying. Huno blinked, his middle and right heads looking at the messy, stunned left head. Then, with a deep growl rumbling from his chest, he picked up a burrower carcass with his own jaws. "You''re gonna regret that, snake boy!" With a quick swing, he tossed it right back at Si, hitting him squarely across his main head. The two of them continued their strange fight. "Not so fast, mutt!" he shot back. "I''ve got plenty more on my side." With a flick of his tongue, he used his luring skill, luring several stingers out from the ground beneath him. As they surfaced, his silver-scaled tail whipped around, striking them with lethal precision. The dead creatures flew through the air andnded in his own pile. Huno''s left head barked, "Hey, no fair using your tongue tricks, snake!" His middle head snorted, "Bet I can catch more without any fancy skills." Siughed, a low, vibrating hiss. "Please. You need every advantage you can get, dog." Huno''s eyes narrowed. "Oh yeah? Watch this!" He grabbed one of the dead stingers with his tail, swung it around, and smacked it right into Si''s face. The impact left a trail of bug guts sliding down his snout. Si blinked, his face scrunching up in disgust. "You filthy¡ª" he hissed, grabbing a stinger of his own with his tail. With a swift motion, he pped it right across Huno''s right head. "How do you like that, you overgrown mutt?" Huno''s right head shook off the mess, and all three heads growled in unison. "Oh, it''s on now, snaky!" he barked. With a sh of his Tri-Jaw Bite skill, he grabbed another stinger, tearing it apart before pping Si''s side with the remains. The two continued their back-and-forth, tossing dead stingers and taunts at each other, their piles growingrger. "I''m gonna show Master who the real hunter is!" Huno dered, his middle head snapping up another stinger with glee.Si scoffed. "As if. When Master sees how many I''ve caught, he''ll know who''s truly superior."Huno''s left head smirked. "You keep dreaming, snake. We all know he likes a good dog better than a slippery snake." "Then why does he let me around more than you?" Si taunted, his tail coiling around yet another dead stinger, which he promptly added to his pile. Huno and Si suddenly stopped talking. Both of them felt something familiar¡ªthe presence of their master, Seojun. Without saying a word, they ran quickly and they saw Seojun standing with his arms crossed and a frown on his face. His eyes were narrowed, "I heard some voices," he said. Huno shook all three of his heads, denying it, while Si. Seojun watched them, looking both annoyed and a bit amused. He scratched his cheek and looked around the empty, eerie ce. "I really heard some voices earlier," he muttered, ncing around as if expecting something to appear. Suddenly, Huno barked to get his attention. He gently bit Seojun''s shirt and pulled him towards a spot. "What?" Seojun said, following him. They stopped in front of a big pile of dead creatures, all stacked on top of each other. Seojun raised his eyebrows, his frown deepening. "What the heck is this?" he asked, seeing two piles of dead stingers. Si slithered forward, his head bobbing, while Huno stood beside him, wagging his tails a little, looking up at Seojun. It seemed like they were trying to tell him something. Seojun tried to figure it out. "Are you guys saying... this is for me?" he asked slowly. "And you''repeting to see who gets to stay closer to me?" Huno barked excitedly in response, nodding his middle head. Si nodded and hissed softly, looking proud. Seojun couldn''t help but smile and shook his head and he chuckled. "But you don''t need topete with each other. You both have a ce by my side." He sat down on a nearby rock, still smiling at them. Huno''s tails wagged faster, and Si seemed to rx, his head no longer tense. "You don''t need to fight over who gets to be closer or who does more," Seojun said gently. "You both are important to me. You''re my guardians, and I need you both." Huno barked happily, his three heads looking pleased. Si nodded, hissing softly with a satisfied look. Seojun muttered to himself, still sitting on the rock, "What are we going to do with this?" He stood up and walked closer to the pile of dead stingers, staring at them with a frown. The creatures were twisted and grotesque, their bodies covered in jagged spikes and venomous barbs. Just then, System blue hologram showed. [Master, you can absorb their souls. There is a possibility you might acquire new skills.] Chapter 25: Chapter 25: New Skills Seojun didn''t seem excited by the idea. He sighed, brushing his fingers through his hair. "Souls? Wait, By the way System, how''s the forging?" he asked, changing the subject. He had been waiting for a weapon to bepleted, and this distraction seemed more appealing than dealing with these dead creatures. The system responded, [The forging isplete, Host. However, it would be best to take care of these souls first before they vanish.] Seojun looked at the stingers again, a deeper frown forming on his face. "Can I even do that? I''m an Animal Whisperer, though..." He paused, clearly uncertain. [Master, you possess the Infinite System. This allows you to acquire any skill or ability, as long as you learn or adapt to it. Your primary path may have been the Animal Whisperer, but the Infinite System does not restrict you. It expands your potential. Here in the Abyss, it is much faster to level uppared to Earth, where your quests mainly involved helping animals. Here, growth can be achieved through absorbing the energy and skills of various beings.] Seojun''s eyes widened a bit at this exnation. He hadn''t fully grasped the extent of the system''s abilities. "So, you''re saying I can learn anything, as long as I give it a try?" [Exactly, Master. The potential is limitless.] Seojun let out a slow breath, still processing the information. It felt strange to him, stepping into a realm where the rules were entirely different. On Earth, he was used to helping, healing, andmunicating with animals. Here, things were much more... intense. He scratched his cheek and muttered, "I don''t want to be able to do everything, though. That would be tiring... Just a few things, maybe. Enough to survive here without losing my mind." [You are in control, Master. You can choose which abilities to absorb, learn and develop. Your path remains your own.] Seojun nodded slowly, appreciating the system''s reassurance. "Alright," he said, more to himself than to anyone else. "Let''s see what happens." With a deep breath, Seojun extended his hand toward the pile, and the air around him began to shift. Huno and Si watched closely, sensing that something new was about to unfold. As he focused, Seojun could feel the remnants of the stingers'' souls, faint but still present. A series of notifications shed before Seojun''s eyes as he channeled his energy toward the pile of dead stingers. Suddenly, his vision was filled with a cascade of system notifications. [System Notification] Initializing Soul Absorption Protocol... Analyzing avable soul fragments... Target: 47 Stinger Souls Detected Processing... [System Notification] Calcting Required Mana for Absorption... Required Mana: 10000MP Current Mana: 20500 MP Mana Requirement Met. [System Notification] Absorption Commencing... Absorbing Soul Fragments... 0%... 10%... 30%... 60%... Seojun could feel his mana flowing out of him like a steady stream, connecting with each stinger corpse. The energy twisted and swirled, forming a spiraling vortex that pulled in the essence of the dead creatures. [System Notification] 80%... 95%... 100% Complete. Absorption Sessful! Seojun felt a sudden rush, like a cool breeze passing through his entire body. His eyes widened slightly as he experienced a strange sensation of empowerment and rity, as if he had just taken a deep breath after holding it for too long. The system continued to disy more notifications. [System Notification] Analyzing Absorbed Soul Fragments... Processing Data... Ding! [Congrattions, Master! You have acquired the skill: Soul Harvest.] Skill Type: Necromancy Rank: S Description: Consume the souls of fallen enemies to gain their energy. Souls harvested are stored in the "Soulbinding Archive," a personal vault where souls are cataloged as "Phantoms." Souls can be used to replenish health, mana, or temporarily boost stats. Additionally, Phantoms can be summoned to fight temporarily, with each Phantom possessing a fraction of their original abilities. The potency and strength of the Phantoms increase with the user''s level and proficiency.* Ding! Skill Acquired Sessfully. [Congrattions Host! You have level up! ] Seojun blinked, taking in the series of notifications with a mix of surprise and curiosity. He hadn''t expected to gain such a skill, but it seemed useful enough. He looked at his hand, contemting how to use "Soul Harvest" and what its full effects might be. For now, he had other things to consider. Huno barked excitedly, sensing Seojun''s shift in aura. Si tilted his heads, hissing softly in acknowledgment. Seojun sighed with a slight smile. "I guess that wasn''t so bad after all," he muttered. "System, give me a summary of the new skill." [System Notification] Skill: Soul Harvest Effect: Consumes harvested souls to restore health (HP), replenish mana (MP), or temporarily boost attack and defense stats. Duration of stat boost: 30 seconds per soul. Summon stored Phantoms from the Soulbinding Archive for temporary aid. Summoned Phantoms retain partial abilities and strength of the original entity. Mana Cost: 0 MP (cost is paid with harvested souls). Seojun nodded. "Alright, this could be pretty useful in tough situations." He took a moment to stretch his arms, feeling the residual effects of the mana expenditure. "I should better test this skill soon. For now, let me check out my items," he muttered to himself. He turned to the system for further instructions. "System," Seojun called out. System responded, [Master, you should also consider absorbing the remains of the stingers. To use them effectively, it''s best to process the stinger bodies as well. The correct term is ''Material Absorption.'' This will allow you to convert the physical remains into a form that can be used to enhance other items or to create new equipment Seojun frowned and looked at the pile of stinger bodies. "Why should I do that? I don''t feel good absorbing their remainings." [Absorbing the stinger bodies will not only provide you with additional resources but also allow you to enhance your equipment or craft new items. Material Absorption can improve the quality of your gear by using the harvested materials. This is a valuable process, as it can significantly boost your overall effectiveness.] Seojun scratched his head, trying to piece together the system''s advice. Seojun looked at the pile of stinger bodies and felt a twinge of suspicion. The system''s insistence on absorbing the materials felt a bit pushy, but he shook off the feeling and decided to follow through. "Should I raise my hands like earlier?" Seojun asked, ncing at the system interface. [Yes, Host.] Seojun raised his hands and concentrated on the pile of stinger bodies. As he did so, the system began to process the absorption. [System Notification] Initializing Material Absorption¡­ Absorbing stinger bodies¡­ Material Absorptionplete. Ding! New Skill Acquired: Basic Voidme Consumption Rank S Description: This skill allows the user to absorb materials and convert them into energy. This basic level will evolve into Voidme Gluttony with further use and mastery, providing enhanced absorption and energy conversion capabilities. Chapter 26: Chapter 26: Lets get started Seojun lowered his hands, feeling a subtle shift in his energy. Huno barked happily and Si nodded seeing that Seojun getting stronger. The system''s hologram appeared in front of Seojun. [Host, everything has been sessfully added to your inventory,] "Really? That''s great!" Seojun replied with a smile, feeling a surge of excitement as he headed deeper into the cave to inspect his new gear. He opened his inventory and selected the first item to equip: the Kraken Scale Armor Shirt. As he did, a detailed holographic description of the shirt appeared. Kraken Scale Armor Shirt - Description: A sleek, modern tactical shirt crafted from Kraken scales. -Effects: - Indestructible: Cannot be broken or damaged. - Mana Deflection: Deflects iing mana-based attacks and fire-based spells. - Enhanced Protection: Provides exceptional defense against physical and magical attacks. [This is Designed with Earth clothing aesthetics to ensurefort to you, Host] Seojun nodded appreciatively. "Thanks, system. This shirt looks incredible." Next, he moved on to equip the Kraken Scale Pants, which had a simr design ethos to the shirt. The hologram disyed: Kraken Scale Pants - Description: Matching tactical pants made from Kraken scales, optimized for mobility and defense. Effects: - Durability: Resistant to wear and tear. - Enhanced Mobility: Allows for greater flexibility and movement. - Mana Resistance: Provides additional defense against mana-based attacks. He put on the pants and felt thefortable yet protective material fitting perfectly. Then, he equipped the Kraken Scale Boots: Kraken Scale Boots - Description: Rubber shoes designed from Kraken scales,bining modern design with advanced protection. Effects: - Agility Boost: Increases agility and speed for 40%.. - Superior Grip: Provides enhanced traction and stability. Seojun marveled at the boots'' perfect fit. "These are amazing. They boost my agility and offer superior grip." Finally, he equipped his newly upgraded Scythe: SS-Rank Scythe: Grin Reaver - Description: A formidable scythe upgraded to Rank SS designed for maximumbat efficiency. - Effects: - Increased Damage: Inflicts higher(45%) damage on enemies. - Enhanced Durability: More resilient against wear and damage. - Mana Infusion: Infuses attacks with a burst of energy. - Soul Damage: Capable of damaging souls or dark entities, enhancing its effectiveness against supernatural threats. As Seojun finished equipping his new gear, the system''s hologram appeared again with an additional update. [Host, all of your new items were forged using the Kraken''s loots. Additionally, I have a new item for you: the Kraken''s Veil Coat] The hologram disyed the description of the new item: Kraken''s Veil Coat - Description: A sleek, ck modern coat designed toplement your Kraken-scale gear. Effects: - Invisibility Cloak: Grants temporary invisibility, allowing you to move unseen by enemies. - Lightweight Design: Engineered to be exceptionally light and flexible, ensuring that it will not impede your movement duringbat. - Enhanced Durability: Provides high resistance against physical and magical attacks, making it a reliable choice in dangerous situations. The system added, [Host, the Kraken''s Veil Coat is crafted to integrate seamlessly with your existing gear. It is designed to be lightweight andfortable, ensuring you will not have difficulty moving or fighting while wearing it.] Seojun looked at the coat with appreciation. "This is awesome!" he eximed. He adjusted the coat, feeling its smooth texture and lightness. "And this scythe¡ªit''s be stronger than before." He took a moment to test the scythe''s new abilities. The dark, ethereal energy it emitted was palpable, enhancing its power to damage souls and dark entities. Seojun swung the scythe through the air, feeling its improved bnce and strength. Satisfied with his new gear, Seojun turned to Huno and Si, who were eagerly watching. Seojun looked at Huno and Si. "Let''s find where the Abyss Cmity is." The system''s hologram appeared. [I will transport you, Host.] In a sh of light, Seojun, Huno, and Si were transported to a new location. They found themselves in a vast, barrenndscape with jagged rocks and swirling mist. Huno began sniffing the air and led them to arge crater. In the center of the crater, they saw the Abyss Cmity. It looked like a giant jellyfish, with its head visible and tentacles curled up. Seojun gazed at the creature with awe and concern. "It''s sleeping?" The system''s hologram appeared once more. [Yes, Host] The creature''s massive form was both mesmerizing and intimidating. The fact that it was sleeping presented an opportunity, but also a risk¡ªany disturbance might awaken it. Seojun looked around and said, "Let''s observe for now. We can''t just rush in." As they watched, small jellyfish-like creatures started emerging from the ground inside the crater. Seojun used his appraisal skill to identify them. They were lesser creatures with lower levels. "Huno and Si, handle these small ones," Seojun instructed. "I''ll take care of the Abyss Cmity." Huno and Si nodded and prepared to fight the smaller creatures. Seojun focused on the massive Abyss Cmity, readying himself. Huno and Si charged into the crater, attacking the small jellyfish-like creatures with fierce determination. Huno''s powerful barks and Si''s swift strikes cleared a path through the lesser monsters, making it easier for Seojun to approach the Abyss Cmity. Seojun, gripping his scythe tightly, moved towards the sleeping giant. Just as he was getting close, a thick fog began to swirl around the Abyss Cmity, obscuring everything. System Alert! Warning Fog of Distortion Detected. Communication Blocked. Visibility Reduced. [Host, Be careful!] Seojun tried to hear the system''s warnings, but the fog seemed to block out all sounds, including the system''s notifications. He could no longer see Huno or Si, nor could he reach them through his calls. The fog was dense and suffocating, swirling around him like a living entity. Seojun''s heart raced as he strained to see through the haze. Suddenly, a figure began to materialize from the fog. Seojun''s hands shook as he saw the figure take shape. He muttered the name, "Kyle." The figure, cloaked in shadow, seemed familiar and yetpletely alien in the fog. Seojun tried to steady his breathing and focus on the figure, unsure of what this apparition meant or how it might affect his battle with the Abyss Cmity. Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Illusion of the past The fog rolled around Seojun, thick and oppressive, as Kyle''s mocking voice echoed through the mist. Seojun''s heart raced, The scythe was nowhere to be seen, pulled away by an unseen force. Kyle''s form seemed to waver and shift, his cruel smirk never fading. "Did you really think you could escape me, Seojun? No matter how far you go, you''re still that scared kid I used to torment." Seojun''s hands shook as he tried to call out for Huno and Si. "Huno! Si! Can you hear me?" But his calls were swallowed by the fog, Despair gripped him tightly, but he forced himself to stay focused. "You don''t need your scythe to defeat me," Kyle taunted, stepping closer. "You''re weak without it. Just like you were back then." Seojun''s breath quickened, the fear wing at him. "I''m not that kid anymore, Kyle. You can''t control me." Kyle''sughter echoed cruelly. "Oh, really? Look at you now, trembling in fear. You haven''t changed at all. You''re still the same weakling who couldn''t stand up for himself." "Stay away from me!" Seojun shouted, his voice wavering. "You''re not real. You can''t control me anymore!" Kyle''s form seemed to distort, bing more ethereal. "You think you''re strong now? You think you''ve ovee your past? I''m here to remind you that no matter how hard you try, you''ll always be weak. You''ll always be afraid." Seojun''s fear began to shift into anger. "You''re just a figment of my imagination. You''re not real. I''ve fought monsters, faced real threats. You''re nothingpared to them!" Kyleughed mockingly. "Is that so? Then prove it. Show me you''re not afraid. Show me you can face your fears without weapon." The fog seemed to close in tighter, Kyle''s figure blending into the mist. Seojun felt his heart pounding, his mind racing. He reached out, but his hand passed through the fog as if it were a mirage. Kyle''s figure wavered, bing even more insubstantial. "You''re still running from your past. You''re still running from me." The fog continued to swirl around Seojun, thickening and making it almost impossible to see. Kyle''s figure loomed within the haze, his voice taunting and cruel. "You''re really going to run away from me, Seojun? Remember the stray cat you used to feed? You thought you could save it, but look how that turned out," Kyle''s voice dripped with scorn. Seojun''s heart sank as memories surfaced, unbidden. He saw a sh of the small stray cat he had taken in. he had done everything to keep it safe. But Kyle and his friends had found it and, in a fit of cruelty, had thrown it into the river. Seojun had rushed to save it, but by the time he reached the water, it was toote. The cat had drowned, and Seojun''s heart had shattered. Kyle''s voice cut through the fog again. "You remember, don''t you? How you couldn''t do anything to save it? Just like now. You''re powerless, a failure." Seojun''s fists clenched, and his breathing grew heavy. He struggled to push the painful memories away, trying to calm himself "No¡­ not again," he muttered, his voice trembling. "I won''t let you do this to me." Kyle''s figure seemed to grow more menacing. "You were always weak, Seojun. Even now, you can''t escape your past. You''re a failure, and you always will be." Seojun squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the tormenting voice. He remembered the pain of that day, the helplessness he had felt as he watched the cat''s life slip away. He focused on his breathing, forcing himself to stay calm. "Did you know, Seojun?" Kyle taunted. "Your mother begged me when you were kidnapped. She was desperate, and she didn''t just plead for your life¡ªshe offered me her body to ensure you''d be safe." Seojun''s eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. The memories of that night, when he had been taken by the debt collectors, came rushing back. It was the same night his system had activated, the same night his world had changed. "That''s not true!" Seojun shouted, trying to push back against the crushing wave of disbelief. "My mother wouldn''t do that. You''re lying!" Kyle''s smirk widened, his cruel satisfaction evident. "Oh, but it''s true. Your mother looked young despite his age and beautiful, but she was desperate. What did she think I was, some kind of pervert? My butler was actually more interested in her than I was. Can you imagine?" Seojun''s legs felt weak, his mind struggling to process the gravity of Kyle''s words. "N-no," he stammered, "it c-can''t be¡­" "Why did she have to go through all that?" Seojun thought bitterly. "If only I had been stronger or paid off the debt, none of this would have happened. She wouldn''t have had to make those terrible choices." The fog seemed to close in tighter. Kyle''s figure grew more menacing. "No matter how hard you try, you can''t escape the truth. Everything that happened to her was because of you. And now, you''re just a failure who couldn''t even save her from the pain." Seojun''s breathing became ragged. The self-me was crushing. "I''ve always wanted to make things right," he thought. "But no matter how much I try, I can''t undo the past. I can''t fix what''s broken." His determination wavered under the weight of his mother''s suffering. He felt like he was drowning in guilt. "Maybe Kyle''s right. Maybe I am just a failure." Meanwhile, Huno and Si were in the thick of the battle, fighting off the relentless swarm of small cmities emerging from the ground. Due to their levels matching Seojun''s, they could only increase their size to human proportions. Si, now in his form silver-scaled ragon body with nine heads. Huno let out a powerful howling roar. The force of his attack sent a shockwave through the air, causing the nearest cmities to explode in a burst of dark energy. He nced towards Seojun, who was still near the sleeping Abyss Cmity, and his concern deepened seeing his master standing there with lifeless eyes and the scythe on the ground. The system''s voice crackled through their earpieces. [Seojun is trapped in an illusion. The cmity''s influence is too strong. You need to wake him up.] Si, who run ahead and use his skills tails m, all the small cmities had flown away "Hurry up, brother!" she called out clearing the way. "Help Master before it''s toote!" Without hesitation, Huno surged forward, clearing a path through the small cmities with powerful roars and strikes. His massive presence cut through the chaos, pushing towards Seojun. Yet, despite his efforts, the small monsters continued to swarm, and when Huno leaped towards Seojun, he was repelled by an invisible barrier surrounding him. Barking aggressively, Huno utilized his tri-jaw bite and Cerberus ws, but the barrier remained unyielding. His frustration grew as he struggled against the barrier''s resistance. "Master! Master!" Huno roared desperately. Si, observing from afar, saw the flicker of the barrier''s energy with his sharp senses. The system hologram flickered to life, disying, [The barrier might have weak spots. Focus your attacks there to disrupt it. Si, help Huno.] "Yes, Father!" Si shouted, rushing towards Huno. As Si arrived, the two guardians coordinated their efforts. Huno roared with an ear-splitting howl, pushing back the encroaching small cmities and momentarily clearing the immediate vicinity. Si, with his silver-scaled body, swung his tail with immense force, executing a tail m against the barrier. Together, they concentrated all their might on the barrier''s weak points. Initially, theirbined assault seemed futile, the barrier holding firm against their relentless assault. But their persistence paid off. With each coordinated attack, cracks began to appear in the barrier, spreading outward from the points of impact. Seeing the cracks widening, Huno let out another thunderous howl, intensifying his roar to disrupt the small cmities that threatened to hinder their progress. Si, not missing a beat, delivered a powerful tail m with renewed vigor, each strike resonating with the force of theirbined strength. Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Plan to take it down Finally, with onest effort, the barrier fractured and gave way. As it shattered, Huno and Si, panting from their exertion, stood ready for the next challenge. Their synchronized assault had broken through the barrier, allowing them to advance towards Seojun. In the middle of his mental struggle, Seojun felt a strange feeling as his mental resistance started to kick in. The system''s hologram flickered, showing a message: [Mental resistance active. Preparing to stabilize the illusion''s effects.] Through the haze, Seojun saw Huno and Si. Huno, now in his normal pet size, bounded over with urgency. He barked so loudly that Seojun covered his ears, wincing at the noise. Si, in his snake form, slithered up and rubbed his head gently against Seojun. "Huno? Si?" Seojun said, his voice shaky with relief. The reality of their presence snapped him out of the illusion''s hold. "This... this is all an illusion. I can''t give up now." Kyle''s taunts began to fade, and the figure wavered. "Look at you, Seojun, struggling to stay strong. You''ll never escape the shadows of your past." As Kyle''s voice grew fainter and the fog began to clear, Seojun felt a renewed sense of determination. He opened his eyes, now clear and focused. "You''re just an illusion," he said firmly. "You can''t control me." The fog finally dissipated, revealing the area around him. Seojun''s scythey nearby, and he quickly retrieved it, preparing for the next stage of the battle. Seojun tried to ground himself, taking deep breaths he approached kyle and said "It''s just an illusion. It''s not real. I have to stay strong and focus. I''m no longer the old Seojun." Kyle then dissapeared and numerous hologram notif appeared. [Fear Resistance Acquired: You are now immune to fear-based effects and attacks. Your ability to remain calm under pressure is enhanced.] Mental Fortitude Increased: Your mental strength has improved significantly. You can now resist mental maniptions and maintain focus more effectively. [Illusion Resistance Enhanced: Your ability to see through and resist illusions has been strengthened. You are less likely to be deceived by illusory effects.] Seojun gathered his strength and looked at Huno and Si. They understood his resolve immediately. Huno grewrger again, his three heads expanding and bing even more powerful. Si transformed, his body elongating until he took on the form of a massive, nine-headed serpent. Each head glowed with a fierce light. Seojun nodded at them. "Let''s end this," he said firmly. Huno barked loudly, his roar shaking the ground, while Si let out a menacing hiss. Together, they charged into the swarm of small cmities that had been causing so much trouble. Huno''s massive form pushed through the enemies, his powerful strikes clearing a path. Si, with his nine heads, attacked from all angles, his serpentine body coiling and striking with precision. As Seojun focused on the Abyss, he tightened his grip on the Grim Reaver, a scythe with a dark, jagged de. He swung the scythe with precision, the de cutting through the air with a menacing whistle. However, even with the powerful swing, the Abyss Cmity remained unharmed. The scythe''s de passed through the chaotic energy surrounding the cmity but did not leave a mark. It was as if the cmity''s essence was too strong for the weapon to damage. Seojun thought, ''It didn''t damage it at all'' And Suddenly The small cmities, once overwhelming in their numbers, began retreating back into the ground as if drawn by some unseen force. The Abyss Cmity, now stirring from its slumber, stood tall and imposing, casting a shadow that seemed to swallow the very light around it. The system''s hologram flickered once more, [Warning: Abyss Cmity Emitting Dark Aura. The creature''s presence intensifies the surrounding darkness and its strength is growing rapidly.] Seojun''s eyes widened at the sight. The dark aura emanating from the Abyss Cmity was palpable, seething with malevolence and raw power. The air grew heavier, the temperature dropping as if to reflect the beast''s emerging threat. Seojun knew he needed to act swiftly.As he prepared to move, Huno, sensing the urgency of the situation, bounded over and seized Seojun''s cor with his massive jaws. Before Seojun could react, Huno lifted him effortlessly and tossed him onto his back. Seojunnded with a jolt, barely having time to stabilize himself as Huno began charging up the crater with powerful strides. Suddenly, the Abyss Cmity let out a piercing screech. The sound was so intense that Seojun instinctively covered his ears, wincing at the sheer volume, he activated a protective barrier around himself and Huno. They took refuge behind a rocky outcrop, partially concealed by the crater''s edge. Seojun''s heart pounded as he tried to process the situation. ''How the hell am I supposed to defeat that?!'' he thought, his mind racing as he watched the Abyss Cmity. The screeching gradually subsided, and the Abyss Cmity began to walk away from them, its massive form moving slowly but with undeniable power. The dark aura surrounding it seemed to pulsate with each step. The system''s hologram flickered to life, disying a new message: [Host, the Abyss Cmity is sensitive to light and cold-based attacks.] Seojun frowned as he read the message. ''I don''t have any light skills'' he thought aloud and suddenly got an idea. The system responded, [What are you nning, Host?] Seojun looked at his hands and concentrated, summoning mes that ignited with a fiery glow. "This can be a light skill," he said, a spark of hope in his voice. "I just need to shoot it above the Cmity''s head to draw its attention." The system''s voice was pragmatic. [It will not kill the Abyss Cmity, Host.] Seojun nodded. "I know, but it might help us, I just need to make this strong and think of a attack skills." At that moment, Si nudged Seojun with his serpentine body. His main head opened its mouth, and a beam of ice shot out with a chilling force before closing quickly. "That''s it!" Seojun eximed, excitement shing in his eyes. "I''ll use my fire, and Si can use his ice beam. We can use thisbination to exploit its weaknesses." Si''s heads bobbed in agreement. Seojun turned to the serpent. "Let''s n this out before the Abyss Cmity gets too far." They quickly devised a n.With their n set, Seojun took a deep breath and prepared to execute their strategy. The Abyss Cmity was still moving away, but with theirbined efforts, they hoped to turn the tide of the battle in their favor. Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Brace the impact Seojun stood on a huge rock enough to reach half of the Abyss Cmity body. The dark aura from the creature swirled below him, but it couldn''t reach him up here. This high ground gave him a good view and kept him safe. He took a deep breath and began preparing for the battle. Seojun pulled out a health potion and drank it, feeling its soothing effects heal his wounds and refresh his energy. Next, he drank a mana potion to restore his magical power. He continued with other necessary potions, making sure he was fully ready for the fight. With the potions taking effect, Seojun turned to the cores he had collected in the Abyss. He took them out and used their energy to enhance his basic fireball spell. The cores glowed brightly as their power flowed into the spell. [System Notification: Fireball Upgraded! The basic fireball spell is now a ze Sphere, with increased power and a bright light effect.] [System Notification: Fireball Enhancement Maxed! The ze Sphere is now at its maximum level, delivering maximum damage and light intensity.] As Seojun focused on forming the ze Sphere, the immense power of the spell caused the ground beneath him to crack and tremble. The weight and intensity of the fireball created visible fissures in the rock, making Seojun aware of the dangerous strain he was putting on his position. The ze Sphere in Seojun''s hands was a zing sphere of intense light. It was much stronger now, capable of dealing heavy damage and producing a bright light. Seojun looked down at the Abyss Cmity, still moving away. He knew their n was to use the fireball to draw the Cmity''s attention and then follow up with Si''s ice beam. "Time to go," Seojun said to himself. He aimed the ze Sphere above the Cmity''s head. [Host is ready for attack. Prepare forbined strike with Si''s ice beam.] Seojun threw the ze Sphere into the air. As it soared upward, the intense light from the spell cut through the darkness, heading straight for the Cmity. He watched carefully, knowing that the sess of their n depended on getting this right. With the ze Sphere in motion, Seojun took out more potion. Si was on the other side of the rock, making sure he had a clear view of the Abyss Cmity. He drank several potions to fully restore his mana. Behind him, Huno stood by, channeling all his mana to help Si. Si was a sight to behold. All nine of his heads opened their mouths wide, making them look even more powerful. With Si''s full strength and Huno''s support, they were ready to strike. From their position, they saw Seojun''s ze Sphere flying through the air. The fireball grewrger and brighter as it approached its target. When it hit the Abyss Cmity, it exploded in a huge burst of light and heat. The explosion lit up the area and shook the battlefield. [System Notification: ze Sphere Impact! Massive explosion caused significant damage to the Abyss Cmity.] The Abyss Cmity let out a loud screech, its voice echoing through the Dested area. The Abyss cmity stumbled and almost fall. Seeing the Cmity distracted, Si took his chance and unleashed a powerful ice beam, a focused st of freezing energy aimed straight at the Cmity''s head. The beam shot through the air, glowing with a cold light as it headed towards the Abyss Cmity. Seojun watched closely as the ice beam moved towards its target and drink all the potions he took out. Thisbined attack of fire and ice was their best chance to take advantage of the Abyss Cmity''s weaknesses and turn the battle in their favor. Ding! [Consumption sessful: Effects Activated] You have consumed a series of strength-enhancing potions. Thebined effects have resulted in - Strength-Boosting Potion: Increased physical strength by 50x. - Mighty Power Elixir: Enhanced strength by an additional 25x. - Titan''s Might Brew: Further amplified strength by 15x. - Brute Force Tonic: Added an additional 10x boost to strength. Total Increase: Physical strength is now increased by 100x. Your physical power andbat effectiveness are now at their peak, greatly enhancing your ability to perform powerful attacks and feats of strength. The ice beam struck the Abyss Cmity with a blinding burst of cold energy. The Cmity''s massive, dark form began to freeze, the ice rapidly spreading and crystallizing its monstrous body. [System Notification: Ice Beam Impact! The Abyss Cmity''s body is turning to ice. Significant reduction in mobility detected.] As the Abyss Cmity fell, unable to move effectively, Seojun took swift action. He activated his Wind Step skill, propelling himself through the air andnding on top of the Cmity''s head. From this position, he could oversee the final stages of their assault. Huno and Si quickly arrived at his side. Huno leaped with power, his ws shing across the frozen surface of the Cmity. He followed with a Tri-Jaw Bite, his jaws snapping shut with immense force on the Cmity''s head. Si swung his tail with tremendous force, executing a Tail m that resonated through the frozen body. Hisbined assault with Huno further weakened the already frozen form. Seojun, standing on the Cmity''s head, raised his hand and delivered a powerful punch. His fist struck the ice-covered head, causing the ice to crack and shatter. Suddenly, the Abyss Cmity''s frozen body erupted in a massive explosion. The force of the st was intense, sending shards of ice and dark energy flying in all directions. [System Notification: Abyss Cmity Explosion! Major explosion detected. Activating barrier for safety.] As the explosion erupted, Seojun''s barrier activated automatically. The protective shield surrounded him, Huno, and Si, shielding them from the debris and shockwave of the explosion. The barrier held firm, keeping them safe amid the chaos. When the explosion subsided and the dust began to settle, Seojun lowered his barrier and surveyed the scene. The Abyss Cmity waspletely destroyed, its massive form reduced to shattered ice and dark remnants. [System Notification: Abyss Cmity Defeated! Major threat neutralized. Rewards and bonuses will be provided.] The fierce battle with the Abyss Cmity had taken its toll. As the explosion subsided and the dust settled, Seojun stood victorious but exhausted. The intensebat, coupled with the strength-enhancing potions, had drained his energy. Seojun''s vision blurred as he felt his strength waning. He tried to stay upright, but his legs gave way, and he began to copse. Huno, ever watchful, noticed Seojun''s condition. With urgency, he rushed to catch Seojun, his three heads showing concern as he supported his master. Si, equally concerned, quickly coiled around them, his massive form providing additional support. As Seojun fell against Si, both Huno and Si''s energy was also depleted from their earlier efforts in the battle. The exertion and strain from theirbined attacks took their toll. Huno and Si, weakened from their efforts and drained by the battle, began to lose consciousness as well. Their once-powerful forms slumped, and they copsed alongside Seojun. The battlefield fell silent, the once chaotic scene now calm. Seojun, Huno, and Siy together on the ground, all three sumbing to exhaustion after their monumental effort. [System Notification: Allbatants are incapacitated. Recovery and healing processes will initiate shortly.] You are now cleared to leave the Dreands of Witherfall and proceed to the next area: Nerathiel, The Fallen Deity Domain. Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Fallen God Domain Seojun''s eyes fluttered open to a sky bathed in the soft, silver glow of a full moon. His eyes widened, "I''m back?" He looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. It appeared he was in the middle of a dense, ancient forest, with trees that looked vibrant and alive. His mind raced as he wondered, ''How many years have passed? This is the first time I''ve seen live trees in so long.'' [System Notification: You have entered Nerathiel, The Fallen Deity Domain.] Seojun''s heart sank. ''I''m not on Earth?'' he thought, his confusion palpable. He nced at his system hologram. [No, Host.] Seojun gripped his hair, a conflicted smile stretching across his face¡ªone that wasn''t filled with joy. "I see," he said quietly. Turning around, Seojun spotted Huno in his human-sized form, soundly asleep behind him, and Si, curled up around Seojun''s arms in his snake form. He sat down on the ground, leaning against Huno, seeking some semnce offort. Seojun closed his eyes, sinking into deep thought. His mind wandered, and the system hologram flickered to life again.System Hologram [About your mother, Host¡­] Seojun took a deep breath and interrupted, "I don''t want to talk about it, System." System Hologram , [It''s just an illusion, Host.] "No!" Seojun''s voice was almost desperate. "How do you think someone was able to help me that night?! Because of me, Mom suffered¡ª" System Hologram: [Host, your mother begged Kyle, but his butler didn''t touch her.] Seojun frowned, confused. "What do you mean?" [It wasn''t Kyle who helped you, Host. Some man saved your mother from that situation, and he''s also the one who found you that night.] Seojun''s eyes widened. "That didn''t happen?" He smiled, a mix of relief and disbelief on his face. "I''m d¡­ and what? A man? Wait, is that the man who paid our debts and medical bills?" [Yes, Host.] Seojun gazed up at the moon, its light casting long shadows in the forest. "When will I be able to go home?" [After clearing all the areas and defeating the Abyss Lord, Host.] Frustration etched across his face, Seojun picked up a rock and threw it at a nearby tree. The rock pierced the bark, leaving a gaping hole. "Why not just transport me directly to the Abyss Lord''s domain? I''m already here, so why go through this?" He approached the tree, ced his palm against the damaged area, and a soft green light emitted from his hand. The hole in the tree vanished, leaving no trace of the damage. [Even so, Goddess Zyraena has blessed you. If you die, it''s the end, Host.] Before Seojun could say anything, Huno growled softly. Seojun turned to see Huno staring intently into the forest. Sensing somethinging, Seojun looked up at the huge trees around them and nodded to Huno. They jumped up to arge tree branch, and Seojun thought, ''These trees are enormous.'' Huno shrank to his normal dog size and they hid. They soon heard voicesing from the forest. Seojun''s heart raced. ''There are people here? Finally, someone like me!'' His excitement quickly faded when he saw what was approaching. ''What the hell are these creatures?'' The creatures gathered in a clearing and began talking. "Did you hear? The Abyss Cmity is gone," one creature said in a rough voice. "Gone? That can''t be true!" another creature replied. "How could it just disappear?" "There was a huge explosion. The whole area was destroyed," the first creature exined. "Someone must have taken it down." "The Abyss Cmity was incredibly powerful," the third creature said. Huno nodded, listening carefully. As Seojun listened to the creatures'' conversation, he decided to use his appraisal skill. [Appraisal Activated] Name: Mra Race: Female Demon(Lesser) n: Bino Demon n Appearance: Mra is a formidable figure, standing at approximately 8 feet tall. She has the body of a human, but her skin is a deep, reddish hue, covered in dark, swirling patterns that seem to shift as she moves. Her limbs are muscr and powerful, ending in wed hands and feet. Her torso is broad and robust, suggesting immense strength. Her head is adorned with tworge, curved horns that jut out from her forehead, curving back like the horns of a ram. Her eyes glow with an eerie, yellow light, and her mouth is filled with sharp, pointed teeth. Seojun was watching the demons when he felt somethinging from above. Quickly, he activated his stealth skill to stay hidden. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the forest as a huge creature fell from the sky. Seojun''s eyes widened as he saw the enormous beastnd on the ground with a massive impact. Dust flew everywhere, and as it settled, Seojun recognized the creature with shock. [Appraisal Activated] Name: Great Hellhound Type: Male Demon (Elite) n: Bino Demon n Lord Skills: Bloodlust Frenzy]: Boosts strength and speed when enraged. [Infernal Roar]: A roar that causes fear and paralysis. [Devour]: Gains power by consuming others.[Dark me]: Breathes a deadly ck fire.[Void Step]: Can teleport short distances The Great Hellhound stood about Ten feet tall with dark, rough scales covering its body. Its huge, leathery wings made it look even more intimidating. Its eyes glowed fiercely, and it seemed to radiate fear. The three demon women, Mra and herpanion, immediately dropped to their knees and bowed their heads. "Lord Hound," they said in fearful tones. Seojun recognized this demon as the same one he had seen when he first arrived in the Wyrmfield. It was a powerful and dangerous enemy. Seojun signaled to Huno to stay quiet and hidden. Seojun watched from the big tree branch as the Greater Hellhound sniffed the air, its massive nostrils ring. The demon''s eyes scanned the area carefully. It moved behind the three female demons, sniffing around as if searching for something. The Hellhound growled softly and then spoke, "I smell human." The three female demons were shocked and confused. Mra, the demon woman who had previously shown fear, spoke up. "That''s impossible, Lord Hound. How could a human enter this domain?" The Hellhound continued to sniff the air and let out a low growl, its powerful presence filling the forest. It continued to scan the surroundings, clearly determined to find the source of the human scent it had detected., its gaze shifting upward. It looked directly at the tree branch where Seojun was hiding. Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Bino Demon Malara The Greater Hellhound finally turned and walked away, its massive form disappearing into the forest. The three female demons sighed in relief. One of them said, "I thought I was going to get eaten! Just how hungry is he to smell a human?" Another replied, "There''s no human that can handle the miasma in our domain. It''s impossible." Mra, who had been deep in thought, nced around and said, "You two go ahead. I forgot something." The other two demons hesitated. "Are you sure, Mra? What if Lord Houndes back and eats you?" Mra shook her head. "I''m fine. He''s noting back. Go on." The two female demons nodded and left, disappearing into the forest. Mra walked toward the darker part of the forest, and Seojun, curious, followed her at a safe distance. Seojun trailed Mra, [The beings in this domain are demons who live by their own rules. Female demons like Mra are considered weakpared to the males, and male demons often eat their own kind. This is how the hierarchy works in this domain.] Seojun frowned, feeling a bit of pity for Mra. He watched as she walked deeper into the forest. Mra knelt down and began picking flowers from the ground¡ªsome that Seojun had never seen before. She handled them with care, as if they were precious. Seojun kept his distance, observing her actions with growing curiosity. The sight of Mra collecting flowers in such a dangerous ce made him wonder about her true intentions and the nature of this domain. As Mra walked away, Seojun leaned against a tree and spoke softly to Huno and Si. "Go back to the guardian space for now." Huno and Si nodded and vanished into their respective guardian spaces. Seojun then essed his status screen and went to the message icon. He browsed through the messages and asked, "What am I supposed to do here, system?" The system responded, [Your objective is to defeat the Fallen Deity, Host] Seojun nodded. He continued to read the messages on his screen. [System Notification: You have defeated the Abyss Cmity! Rewards, bonuses, loot, and skills have been granted.] Seojun continued scrolling through his skills, taking note of his new abilities: - Illusion Mastery: Allows the creation of illusions to mislead or confuse enemies. - Dark Aura Emission: Lets Seojun emit a dark aura to intimidate or weaken his foes. He then saw that his Fireball skill that upgraded to ze Sphere had an option to evolve further. [System Notification: ze Sphere Evolution Avable. Click ''Yes'' to proceed with the upgrade.] Seojun clicked "Yes," and a notification appeared: [System Notification: ze Sphere Evolution Loading... Please wait.] As the system began loading the evolution, Seojun remained alert. He activated his Stealth skill to remain hidden and prepared to follow Mra. He leaped down from the tree,nding softly on the ground. Staying in his stealth, Seojun followed the path Mra had taken, careful not to make a sound as he moved through the dark forest. Seojun moved quietly through the forest, noticing a flickering light in the distance. As he approached, he saw that it was a fire. He pulled up the hood of his coat, concealing his face and blending into the shadows. Peering through the trees, Seojun discovered a vige engulfed in mes. Demons shed violently with one another amidst the chaos. He frowned and took cover behind a tree, trying to make sense of the situation. He moved to another tree for a better view, observing the battle more closely. He noted the differences between the demons: Mra had two curved horns, while her opponents sported a single horn in the center of their heads. Aside from the horn differences, the demons looked very simr. Seojun saw some of the one-horned demons dragging Mra''s kind into arge cage with a wheel, while the surrounding houses burned. [The vige is experiencing a conflict between different demon factions. The one-horned demons are from a rival faction and are attacking Mra''s kind. They are capturing Mra''s people and burning their homes. The chaos is due to a power struggle between these factions.] Seojun wondered why the Great Hellhound was helping its kind and system responded. [The Great Hellhound is their lord but also a selfish demon. It seems like the demons were sold to the one-horned demon faction.] Seojun stayed hidden as Mra was thrown away into the trees. He moved quickly, pulling her behind a tree and covering her mouth. "Be quiet if you want to live," he whispered. Mra''s eyes widened at the sight of the tiny human but she nodded in agreement. A one-horned demon came close, not seeing Seojun, he grabbed it by the horn and forced it to kneel. He then used his knee to smash its face, Unaware of his own strength he killed the one horned demon it instantly(Skull crashed). Seojun thought to himself, "It''s dead?" Mra was shaken, watching the tiny human disy such incredible strength. Seojun watched from his hiding spot as the one-horned demons began to leave. They were dragging the captured demons of Mra''s kind inside arge cage. Mra sat on arge rock, her minotaur-like hands fidgeting with the fur on her arms. It had been three hours since the chaos in the vige, and the forest around them had returned to a tense stillness. asionally, Mra would nce at Seojun, who stood with his back to her, absorbed in his inventory. Seojun noticed her frequent stares and turned slightly, asking, "What is it?" Mra quickly averted her gaze, scratching her cheek nervously. "A-ah, nothing," she mumbled. Seojun sighed and turned fully around, walking over to her. "How many times are you going to stare at me?" his brow furrowing in irritation. Mra, feeling embarrassed, stood up and shuffled a few steps away, herrge, muscr frame shifting ufortably. Seojun watched her with a puzzled expression, thinking, ''What''s wrong with her?'' He shook his head, refocusing on his inventory as he tried to make sense of the situation. Seojun sighed, looking at Mra with uncertainty. His system suddenly asked, [What are you nning to do with her, Host?] Seojun replied, "I don''t know. I don''t even know why I saved her." Mra, overhearing this, felt anxious. She spoke up, "Uhmm¡­" Seojun turned to face her. The towering minotaur-like figure of Mra now stood right in front of him. "I''m Mra. Thank you for saving me," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "You''re wee," they fell into an awkward silence. Seojun thought to himself, ''How long has it been since I had someone to talk to?'' The system hologram then shed, [We are talking, Host.] Seojun raised his hand and dismissed the hologram, muttering, "She''s different." "Different?" Mra asked, confused. "Not you," Seojun rified, then added, "I have something important to do, so you''re on your own." He turned and started to walk away, but suddenly Mra grabbed his coat. "P-please help us," she pleaded. "Seeing how you easily killed the Oni, I know you can help my n." Seojun tried to pull his coat away. "I have something important to do," he said firmly. Mra didn''t let go and ran in front of him, kneeling down. "Please, My Lord! Save my n!" Seojun looked at her ''When did i be her lord?'' Mra, desperate to save her n, began offering anything she could. "I can be your ve," she said urgently. "You can do whatever you want with me. If you''re hungry, you can eat me! Just save my n, my lord!" She moved closer to Seojun, extending her arms toward him. Seojun, startled and ufortable, stepped back. "Stop! I''m not hungry! Don''t get too close to me!" Mra halted immediately and took three steps back, her expression one of fear and regret. Seojun scratched his head, troubled by the situation. ''Is saving her a wrong decision?'' he wondered. ''I need to clear this area so I can move on to another already.'' With a heavy sigh, Seojun resolved to finish his task and find a way to resolve the conflict. Chapter 32: Chapter 32: Here he comes Seojun sat on a rock, looking at Mra. "Okay, I''ll help," Mra''s face lit up with relief, and she eagerly started to approach him. Seojun raised his hand, signaling her to stop. "Don''t expect too much from me. After I save your n, you need to help me find where the Fallen God Nerathiel is." Mra gasped, her eyes widening with fear. Slowly, she knelt in front of Seojun and asked, "Why do you want to find him, my lord? He''s terrifying." "The Fallen God Narathiel has massive ck wings and an aura of dread. His eyes glow with an eerie red light, and his presence brings nightmares. Many say that even his gaze can drain the life force of those who look at him." Seojun, determined, replied, "I will defeat him." Mra, now more anxious, crawled closer to Seojun on her knees, grabbing his hand with both of hers. "My lord! He is very dangerous. His power is beyond imagination. Many have tried to defeat him and failed miserably." "Just Give me details of your n, Let''s talk about that after this" Mra took a deep breath and began exining the situation to Seojun. "This domain is the home of all demons. We have different factions, or as we call them, ns. One of those is our n¡ªmy kind, the Bino. We are the weakest among the demon ns. The ones who attacked us are the Oni, who are easily recognized by their single horn. They are stronger and more aggressive than us." She paused, "The Great Hellhound is our n''s lord. But it seems... we''ve been sold to the Oni." Her shoulders slumped, and a hint of sadness clouded her eyes. "Why would the Great Hellhound sell his own n?" Mra hesitated for a moment before replying, "Lord Hound''s n is probably to let the Oni grow in numbers and strength. Then, when the time is right, he will challenge the Oni Lord to a duel and take over their n for himself." Seojun''s eyes narrowed as he considered her words. "So, he''s letting the Oni do all the work of gathering power and territory, only to swoop in and im it all when they''re at their peak?" He thought for a moment, seeing the strategy unfold in his mind. "That''s a cunning n¡ªusing others to build up his own power without lifting a finger." Mra nodded. "Yes, my lord. But while he waits, we Bino suffer. We''re caught in the middle, weak and defenseless." Seojun''s expression turned serious as he asked, "What about the Fallen Deity? What do you know about him?" Mra looked uneasy but answered, "The Fallen Deity... he asionally holds a gathering, a kind of... I think you''d call it a ''summit,'' my lord. He invites all the n lords to this summit. If he senses that any of them might be strong enough to endure his power, he challenges them to a duel. But... none have ever seeded." Mra continued, "They say the Fallen Deitymitted a great sin in the Heavenly Realm and was cast down here, to the Abyss Realm, as punishment. No one knows his true form¡ªonly the n lords have ever seen him, and even they refuse to speak of his appearance. He is... terrifying, my lord." She shivered slightly, her eyes darting around as if the very shadows around them could bring the deity to life. "They say he has great ck wings and eyes that can pierce through your soul. His presence alone can bring lesser demons to their knees. It''s as if the darkness itself bends to his will." Seojun remained deep in thought, his eyes fixed on the rocky ground beneath him. ''If the Fallen Deity is that strong... just how powerful is the Abyss Lord?'' he wondered. His thoughts were interrupted when Mra spoke again, "My lord... are you also a fallen deity, cast into this realm? Is that why you seek to defeat the Fallen Deity? To increase your rank among the fallen Deities?" Seojun frowned, feeling more confused by her words. ''What is she talking about?'' he thought, not understanding what she meant by ''rising in rank.'' Before he could respond, his system''s hologram appeared. [Host, this Abyss Realm is where all fallen deities are exiled aftermitting grave sins or being cast out from the heavenly realms,] Seojun kept silent, waiting for more information. [The fallen deities in this realm are not merely exiled gods; they are beings of immense power who have taken on new identities to reflect their sins and nature. Many of them have adopted the names of the Deadly Sins: Wrath, Envy, Greed, Sloth, Gluttony, Lust, and Pride. Each one rules over a faction within the Abyss and has followers who serve them, seeking to increase their power and influence.] System continue, [Among them, Nerathiel is known as ''Wrath.'' However, his powers are deceptive. Though he bears the title of Wrath, he is not simply a warrior driven by anger. Narathiel possesses a unique set of powers centered around healing and regeneration, allowing him to recover quickly and keep his forces alive on the battlefield. This makes him exceptionally dangerous, as he can both inflict and recover from immense damage.] "Healing powers... for a being of Wrath? That''s unexpected," he thought, considering the strategic implications. "It means he''d be nearly impossible to kill in a prolonged battle, and his followers could be almost unkible if he supports them directly." Mra''s voice interrupted Seojun''s thoughts, her tone filled with awe and a hint of fear. "My lord... are you speaking to a spirit?" Seojun frowned, feeling a new wave of confusion wash over him. "What is this now?" he thought, exasperated. "Why does it seem like the deeper I get into the Abyss, the more confusing everything bes? Spirits, fallen deities, ns¡ªthis realm is a chaotic mess of ovepping information." Before he could even process Mra''s words, the system''s hologram appeared again, filled with more exnations and data points about spirits and how they interact with fallen deities in the Abyss. Seojun nced at the hologram, his patience wearing thin. "Enough," he muttered, pushing the hologram away with a swipe of his hand. He stood up from the rock he''d been sitting on, brushing off the dust from his coat. "Too much information all at once," he muttered to himself. "We''ll talk about thatter." He turned his attention back to Mra, who was still kneeling, her eyes filled with wonder and uncertainty. "Take me to the Oni n," Chapter 33: Chapter 33: Theyre a Legendary Entities Inside the guardian space¡ªa boundless realm where Seojun''s guardians resided¡ªHuno, the three-headed hellhound, and Si, the silver-scaled hydra, sat observing their master''s actions through a glowing orb that disyed his surroundings in the Abyss. Huno''s middle head muttered, "Master is acting so strange... Don''t you think?" Si, lounging nearby with his heads resting in a coil of his long body, nodded. "Maybe it''s because he''s with a woman? I''ve never seen him interact with one for this long." Huno''s left head snorted, "Is Master shy? Is that why he''s acting all cold toward her? Look, he''s even ignoring Dad." The head turned slightly, looking at the void above them The right head chimed in, "Yeah, Dad''s getting jealous." As if on cue, a bright hologram materialized before them, interrupting their conversation. The message disyed in bold, capital letters read: [I''M NOT JEALOUS] An angry emoji appeared next to the text, vibrating furiously as if to emphasize the point. Huno''s middle head chuckled. "Father, you''re always watching him so closely. Anyone would think you''re a bit possessive." Si''s nine heads collectively nodded in agreement, "Maybe it''s time to loosen up a bit, Father. Master Seojun is just exploring. He has his reasons for doing what he does." The hologram seemed to shimmer with frustration, and another line of text appeared: [I''M MONITORING TO KEEP HIM SAFE, NOT BECAUSE I''M POSSESSIVE] This time, a flushed emoji reced the angry one, its cheeks a bright shade of pink. Huno''s heads collectively burst intoughter, and even Si couldn''t suppress a sly grin. "Sure, sure," Huno''s right head teased, "We totally believe you, Father." The middle head spoke up again, still amused but more thoughtful. "You know, maybe Master''s just focused on his mission. He never was one to get distracted easily. But still, it''s funny to see him like this¡ªalmost... awkward." Si''s central head tilted in thought. "True. Though it is interesting." The guardian space grew quieter, the yful banter giving way to a shared understanding among Seojun. Mra led Seojun to the edge of a steep cliff overlooking the Oni n''s territory. Below them, a sprawling encampment of ck stone fortresses and crimson tents stretched out across the jagged terrain. The air was thick with the distant sounds of guttural roars and the heavy footsteps of patrolling Oni, their single horns glinting menacingly under the dim, eerie glow of the Abyss. Seojun knelt at the cliff''s edge, his sharp eyes scanning the area, taking in every detail. Mra, still trembling with fear and awe from his presence asked, "Do you have a n, My lord?" Without answering, Seojun sat and continued observing. His expression was unreadable. After a few moments, he called out with a low,manding tone, "Huno. Si." The space around him warped slightly as two colossal figures materialized by his side. A massive, three-headed hellhound¡ªHuno¡ªstood at nearly six feet tall, each head emitting a low growl that resonated through the air. Beside him appeared a hydra with shimmering silver scales and nine heads, each one vignt and poised¡ªSi, towering just as tall and exuding an aura of raw, coiled power. Mra''s eyes widened in shock, her breath catching in her throat. She stumbled back, almost falling off the cliff in sheer disbelief at the sight before her. She muttered to herself, "A-are those... legendary entities?" Mra stared in awe and fear, her voice quivering. "My lord... they''re like the ancient beings from myth and legend, the ones who were said to exist only in stories..." Seojun didn''t reply immediately, keeping his gaze fixed on the Oni encampment below. It was only after a moment that he nced at his summons and stated calmly, "They are my guardians." Mra gulped, feeling the immense pressure from both creatures. Huno, the Cerberus, exuded a fierce aura that seemed to ignite the air around him, a heat that prickled Mra''s skin. The way his three heads scanned the surroundings, each with a different expression¡ªfury, curiosity, and hunger¡ªshowed their intelligence and unyielding loyalty to Seojun. Beside him, Si''s presence was even more daunting. The hydra''s silver scales shimmered like des in the dim light, reflecting a deadly beauty. Each of his nine heads was watchful, as if ready to strike in nine different directions at once. His body coiled with power, and his heads hissed lowly in unison¡ªa chorus of ominous, synchronized sounds. Mra''s knees buckled slightly under theirbined aura, and she whispered,, "A Cerberus and a Hydra¡­ creatures of legend¡­ " As Seojun surveyed the Oni n''s encampment, he turned to Mra, who stood anxiously by his side. "Go with Huno and Si," he instructed. "Save your n. I''ll deal with the Oni." Mra''s eyes widened "How can i get near of the l-" Just then, Huno let out amanding bark and, with surprising gentleness for his size, scooped Mra up with his powerful jaws. She was safely cradled in his mouth, and the Cerberus leaped from the cliff,nding silently on the ground below. Si, the colossal hydra, followed closely behind. Each of his nine heads swiveled in various directions, scanning for any signs of detection. With precise movements, Si and Huno navigated through the shadows, heading toward the captured Bino n members. Seojun watched as they moved with incredible stealth. Huno''s massive form was almost imperceptible as he carried Mra through the dense forest surrounding the Oni encampment. Si slithered silently beside them, his sleek body making almost no noise as he maneuvered around obstacles. The Oni n waspletely oblivious to the impending rescue. The Oni warriors continued their patrols. Seojun, meanwhile, turned his attention back to the Oni n''s encampment. He observed the scene below, noting the patrols, the guard stations, and the overallyout of their defenses. "It''s my turn now," he dered. As he readied himself, a system notification popped up: [System Notification: ze Sphere Evolution Complete! Your Fireball skill has evolved into Dark me.] He quickly reviewed his new Dark me skill. It had transformed from ze Sphere into a potent ability with several new spells and transformations: - Hellshadow Fire: Conjures a wave of dark fire that engulfs enemies, causing intense burning and shadow damage. The mes linger and can seep into the ground, creating pools ofsting dark fire. - Soulfire: A concentrated beam of dark me that targets a single enemy, dealing high damage and draining their vitality. The beam saps the enemy''s life force, partially healing Seojun. - Cursed Emberstorm: Summons a storm of dark embers that rains down on arge area, causing continuous burning and inflicting a curse that weakens enemies and reduces their resistance to further attacks. - Darkme Weapon: Allows the weilder to transform the Dark me into various weapons or enhance existing ones. Seojun stood on the cliff, eyes scanning the below as he prepared to test his new spells. Curious about how the Cursed Emberstorm will affect the Oni, he aimed his hand upward and muttered "Cursed Emberstorm". He watched expectantly, but for a moment, nothing happened. The sky remained clear, and Seojun frowned, wondering what went wrong. He decided to switch to Hellshadow Fire, readying the spell to unleash on the Oni forces. Just as he was about to activate it, he felt an ominous shift in the atmosphere. His eyes widened as he looked up and saw dark clouds swirling ominously above him. Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Unexpected Skill Dark embers began to rain down from the storm, threatening to engulf everything below. The intensity of the storm''s approach filled Seojun with dread. He felt the immense power and danger of the storm, knowing that if he didn''t act quickly, it could led to death of the Bino. "I''m screwed!" Seojun muttered, panic rising. He dashed down the cliff, heading straight for Mra and the Bino n. He had to ensure their safety before the storm hit. Reaching the Bino n, Seojun activated his Barrier skill, creating a protective shield around Mra and the captured Bino demons. "Stay inside the barrier!" he shouted urgently. Turning his attention to his guardians, he called out, "Huno! Si! Activate your barriers and protect the other Bino!" Huno and Si responded immediately. Huno summoned arge barrier around the other Bino demons, as well as Si in the others. The Bino demons murmured in panic, their voices trembling as they stared at the cursed emberstorm brewing in the distance. "There''s no way this barrier can handle that!" one of them cried out, sinking to the ground. "We''re gonna die!" another wailed, clutching their chest in terror. "I''ve never seen anything like this!" another voice added, their fear spreading like wildfire among the group. Seojun remained on high alert, watching as the Cursed Emberstorm raged around them. The dark embers rained down, creating a fiery tempest that threatened to burn everything in its path. Seojun knew that the storm''s power was far beyond his initial expectations, and he worked quickly to ensure everyone''s safety. As the Cursed Emberstorm subsided, the aftermath revealed a grim sight. The once vibrant and bustling terrain had been reduced to a deste wastnd. The storm had turned everything to ashes, leaving no trace of the Oni or their territories. The forests, viges, and even the stronghold were nothing but smoldering remains. Seojun''s barrier had held up just enough to protect the Bino demons from the storm''s worst, but the surrounding area was devastated. He was exhausted, his mind racing with the sheer scale of destruction. He removed his barrier and stared at the barrenndscape, muttering, "What the heck was that skill?" Mra, trembling from the shock, looked around at the devastation. "It''s terrifying," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "It destroyed three entire territories in one attack." Huno and Si, standing beside Seojun, watched in awe. Huno barked proudly, "That''s our master! Three ns in one attack!" Si added, "Incredible¡­ I''ve never seen such power." Suddenly, the system notifications began to flood in. [System Notification: You have annihted 1,500 Oni demons along with their leader!] [System Notification: You have eliminated 2,300 members of the Riptide n along with their leader!] [System Notification: You have defeated 5,400 members of the Stormw n along with their leader!] [System Notification: Congrattions, Host! You have level up!] [System Notification: Initiating Soul Harvest...] As the Soul Harvest began, Seojun observed the horrifying effects. The battlefield, once filled with life and activity, was now a sea of ashes. There were no bodies left¡ªonly the remains of what once was, scattered in the wind. The remnants of the Oni, Riptide, and Stormw ns were reduced to mere cinders, their presence wiped from existence. Seojun tried to intervene, but the system''s process was already underway. He watched helplessly as the Soul Harvest continued. Mra knelt on the ground, her eyes fixed on Seojun with a mix of awe and reverence. She began to speak, her voice filled with solemn respect, "My lord, I offer you my homage. This is not mere praise but an acknowledgment of your power. Just as one makes offerings to the Deities, I present my loyalty and devotion to you." She continued, her tone earnest, "Your strength and might have saved us from certain doom. I humbly offer myself and my n''s service to you, recognizing you as our true lord." After Mra''s heartfelt acknowledgment, the other Bino demons, overwhelmed by the disy of Seojun''s power and Mra''s example, began to kneel one by one. They lowered their heads and spoke in unison, mirroring Mra''s words. "Our lord, we offer our homage and devotion. Your strength has saved us and restored hope. We pledge ourselves to you, just as Mra has." Seojun stepped back, astonished by the sudden shift in the Bino demons'' behavior. He had not expected such a widespread response. The entire group now knelt, eyes lowered, showing their respect and acknowledging him as their lord. He took a deep breath, trying to process their reaction. "You don''t have to do this," he said, his voice carrying a hint of unease. "I didn''t seek this recognition." The Bino demons remained kneeling with their faces to the ground. Huno and Si approached Seojun, their expressions a mix of pride and excitement. Huno barked several times, as if congratting Seojun for his overwhelming victory. Si, her many heads nodding in agreement, looked at Seojun with admiration. Just then, the system hologram flickered to life with a new notification. [System Notification: Congrattions, Host! You have aplished a significant achievement. The Cursed Emberstorm has resulted in the annihtion of 1,500 Oni demons, including their leader, and has devastated three territories. Your efforts have earned you the following rewards:] -Gold Coins: 500,000 - Oni n''s Sword - Demon''s Amulet - Void Essence Shard - Cursed Ember Crystals - Ancient Oni Armor And more. [System Notification: Acknowledgment from the Bino n. The Bino demons, recognizing your power and leadership, are now aligned with you.] [Law of the Nerathiel Domain ¨C The defeated n leader''s sessor bes the new n leader. You, Seojun A human, have now be the leader of the Bino n. This information will be automaticallymunicated to other n leaders.] Seojun hand was pressed against his forehead, trying to process the immense scale of what had just happened. Ding! [Congrattions, Host! You have acquired the title: "Devastator of Nerathiel Domain and Master of Cataclysms."] The magnitude of destruction was staggering. Seojun hadn''t anticipated such a wide-reaching impact. [Congrattions, Host! You have acquired the title: "Lord of the Bino Demons n.] Seojun looked around at the kneeling Bino demons, their faces pressed to the ground in reverence. He turned to Huno and Si, who approached him, barking in what seemed like celebration and he muttered, "I didn''t want this." Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Own Teritorry Seojun nowy on the bed. The once chaotic battleground outside had transformed, and his new role as the Bino n''s leader hade with unexpected rewards. [Reward Received: n Restoration. As the new leader of the Bino n, you have been granted the ability to restore and develop the area you have taken control of. A vige has been established in the area previously destroyed. This includes residential houses,munal areas, and necessary infrastructure to support the Bino demons.] Seojun looked around the room, taking in his new surroundings. The interior of his house was modest but functional, with the basic necessities of a living space. The bed was surprisinglyfortable, a stark contrast to the rugged conditions he had faced recently. He sighed and muttered, "I can''t even enjoy this bed. This is too much! System, why didn''t you warn me?!" The system responded with, [...] Seojun sat up, grabbed a pillow, and threw it at the hologram. "You seem to be enjoying this!" [Aren''t you d, Host? You have be stronger and gained control over a new territory.] Seojun frowned, his frustration evident. "Tell me, System, be honest with me. Me being strong has benefits to you too, right?" The system remained silent, leaving Seojun to brush his hair with his fingers. He noticed a faint smell and realized his hair needed washing. "I should better wash up," he muttered, standing up. "You better answer me after this." Seojun stepped out of his house, shielding his eyes from the intense brightness of the sun. It had been so long since he''d seen natural light that the sudden re was overwhelming. He slowly removed his arm from his face and squinted, his eyes adjusting to the brilliant sunlight. For the first time, he took in the sight of the sun in the Abyss Realm. The warmth on his skin felt almost foreign, and he marveled at how different everything seemed. "How long have I been here?" Seojun asked [You have been in the Abyss Realm for 121 years, Host.] Seojun was shocked. He had been here for over a century. He nced around at the bustling activity of the newly restored vige. Bino demons were working on fixing houses, and he noticed a few female Bino demons walking by. Seojun frowned. Bino demons'' appearance changed, particrly the reduction in fur and the addition of hair among the females. Just then, he felt a light poke on his back. Turning around, he saw Mra towering over him with her 8-foot figure. Her body had undergone noticeable changes: less fur, red skin, and her once-curved horns had be smaller and a hair in shoulder length. "W-What happened to you?" Seojun asked, pointing at Mra''s transformed body. Mra blushed and responded shyly, "Because our n lord is strong, it has affected us. It''s a sign of your power." ''Because of me?'' Seojun thought, trying to process this information. Mra twirled around and asked, "How do I look, my lord?" Seojun chose to ignore her and continued walking around, still trying to adjust to the fact that he was surrounded by demons. Mra followed him eagerly, while some of the younger Bino demons ran up to him, bowing and showing their respect. Seojun paid them little attention, absorbed in his own thoughts. "May I know where you are going, my lord?" Mra asked, catching up with him. "Finding water," Seojun replied, looking around. He noticed there were trees in the area. "What are you going to use it for, my lord?" Seojun sighed. "I''m going to wash myself." Mra''s eyes lit up. "This way, my lord! We have prepared a personal bath spring for you!" Seojun followed Mra as she guided him a short distance away from the vige. They reached a rocky wall, and Mra pointed behind it. "Behind this, My lord, is your bath spring. It''s made only for you, so no one will disturb you." Seojun nodded and stepped behind the rock wall. As he approached the hot spring, he could see the steam rising from the water, indicating its warmth. The hot spring was nestled in a natural rock basin, surrounded by smooth stones and lush greenery. The water was clear and inviting, with a soothing, warm glow. Seojun stepped down into the water, feeling the heat envelop him. The warmth wasforting, easing the tension in his muscles and rxing him after the intense events he had experienced. He sighed in relief as he submerged himself, letting the hot spring soothe away the grime and stress of battle. [A hot spring, Host] The spring was naturally bordered by rugged rocks, some partially submerged, creating a natural and inviting pool. Surrounding the spring were lush green nts and vibrant mosses that thrived in the humid environment. The soft, bubbling sounds of the water. Seojun slowly sank deeper into the steaming water, feeling the warmth envelop his entire body. Seojun leaned back against a smooth rock. Seojun opened his eyes slowly, the warmth of the hot spring making him feel drowsy but at ease. "Where are Huno and Si?" [They are with the Bino demons, Host,] the system promptly replied. Seojun chuckled softly. "Hmm, they always seem to be gone when I wake up," Meanwhile, tension hung in the air as Huno and Si engaged in another one of their endless quarrels. The Dog size three-headed Cerberus, Huno, growled menacingly, his middle head ring at Si, who had coiled up on a nearby stone. The hydra-turned-snake hissed back, flicking his forked tongue in annoyance. "And where are your eight heads, Snaky?" Huno snarled, all three heads speaking in unison. His jaws clenched around a trayden with freshly cooked meat. "Lost them somewhere?" Si''s tailshed out yfully, maintaining perfect bnce as it held a tray filled with an assortment of fruits. "Why do you care, mutt?" he hissed, his silver-scaled form gleaming in the sunlight. "I look cute in this snake form, unlike a drooling beast like you." Huno''s left head bared its fangs, but his right head chuckled. "Cute? Ha! You''re half the size you used to be and thrice as irritating." The middle head of Huno, holding the tray of meat tightly, turned its attention to Si''s offering. "Why are you wasting time with fruits? Master needs something hearty and filling after battle!" Si''s tail flicked again, nearly tipping his tray over, but he bnced it with ease. "Master also needs his nutrients, idiot. Not just a te of greasy meat!" The two continued their back-and-forth, theirpetition bing more animated. Huno''s right head, fed up, suddenly bit down on a nearby tree branch, snapping it off with a loud crunch. "Let''s settle this once and for all. Whoever presents the best meal to Master will be deemed the superior guardian!" Si hissed in agreement, his eyes narrowing. "Fine by me! But don''t cry when I win, you oversized mongrel." Chapter 36: Chapter 36: The Demon Clan Lords The midday sun zed over the newly restored Bino vige as Huno and Si reluctantly moved away from Seojun, leaving their trays of food nearby. Theirpetition had subsided for the moment, but the tension between them was still palpable. Si slithered up to a stone pir, coiling around itzily, while Huno stretched his three heads, his middle head yawning loudly. "Next time, Snake, I''ll make sure you''re the one fetching water," Huno growled, each of his heads smirking in unison. "Keep dreaming, Mutt," Si hissed back, flicking his tail dismissively. "I''d rather eat rocks than follow yourmands." Their rivalry never seemed to end, but there was an undercurrent of camaraderie that only came from years of bickering and working together. Suddenly, a dark shadow passed over the vige, blotting out the sun. A powerful gust of wind blew through the vige, sending debris flying and causing the Bino demons to look up in panic. Both Huno and Si sensed it instantly¡ªa massive presence descending upon them from above. A loud crash shook the ground as a massive, hulking figurended in the middle of the vige square. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, knocking over several Bino demons and causing the trays of food to tter to the ground. Huno and Si''s heads whipped around, their eyes narrowing as they growled and hissed in unison, immediately on guard. A terrified murmur spread among the Bino demons as they recognized the monstrous figure before them. He was an enormous, beastly creature, his fur matted and dark with patches of exposed, leathery skin. His eyes burned with a wild, crimson glow, and his fanged maw dripped with saliva. "It''s¡­ it''s Lord Hound!" one of the Bino demons cried out, pointing a trembling finger at the intruder. Lord Hound''s eyes locked onto the one who had spoken. With a savage snarl, he lunged forward, his massive wed hand reaching to grab the terrified demon. Just as his hand was about to close around the helpless Bino, a blur of red shot forward. Mra, towering and imposing with her newly evolved form, yanked the demon out of Lord Hound''s grasp just in time. She stepped in front of the terrified Bino, her red skin glistening in the light and her once-curved horns now smaller, with shoulder-length hair cascading down. Lord Hound''s eyes widened for a moment, a dark chuckle rumbling from his throat. "Mra? Well, well, looks like you''ve undergone an evolution," he sneered, his eyes scanning her new form with both surprise and amusement. Mra''s face hardened, her eyes narrowing into a fierce re. "You are no longer our lord, Hound. So, get out of here before I make you," she dered, her voice steady and filled with authority. Lord Hound let out a menacingugh, a deep and mocking sound that seemed to vibrate through the very ground beneath them. The surrounding Bino demons, already on edge, began to retreat further, hiding behind whatever cover they could find. Some ducked behind rocks, others hid inside nearby houses, their eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. "You dare speak to me like that?" Lord Hound growled, his voice dripping with menace. "I see your little evolution has made you forget your ce, Mra. You think that just because you''ve gotten a bit stronger, you can stand up to me? Pathetic!" "She''s right. You''re not our lord anymore. You lost that right when you betrayed us." the other Bino started to fight back. Lord Hound''s smile twisted into a snarl, "I don''t expect anything from weaklings like you. I came here for one reason: to take back what''s mine. This vige, this n¡ªthey belong to me!" Mra stood her ground, "The Bino n belongs to the new lord now. A true leader, not a traitor like you." The tension in the vige grew unbearable as Mra, Huno, and Si stood ready to fight Lord Hound. The ground trembled with each step Lord Hound took, his eyes wild with anger and madness. The Bino demons around them were nervous, feeling the weight of the battle that was about to begin. Suddenly, the ground shook even more, but this time from multiple directions. The sky darkened, and a cold wind swept through the area. A strange, heavy feeling filled the air, and everyone felt it¡ªpowerful forces were approaching. Dust began to swirl up in the middle of the vige as if something huge was moving toward them from every side. Mra''s eyes scanned the area. She could sense that something was wrong. "This isn''t good..." she muttered under her breath. Huno and Si, both ready to attack, also sensed it¡ªthe intense pressure growing all around them. Without warning, a massive force mmed into the ground. The earth shook violently as several huge figuresnded around them, creating shockwaves that knocked people off their feet and filled the air with dust and debris. The Bino demons stumbled, some falling to their knees, while others hid in fear. "What... what is happening?" a young Bino demon whispered, his voice trembling. As the dust began to settle, a murmur spread among the demons. "It''s the other n Lords!" one of them whispered in fear, eyes wide. "They''re all here!" Sure enough, the figures appearing from the dust were the leaders of the other demon ns. Each one had tworge horns on their head and radiated an intense aura of power and authority. There were six of them, each with a unique and terrifying appearance. Mra stepped back a bit, her heart beating fast as she looked at each of the neers. The first to emerge was Gornak, a demon with a monstrous pig-like face. His skin was thick and rough, covered in scars from old battles, and hisrge tusks stuck out from his mouth. He snorted loudly, sending misty breath into the cold air, and looked around the Bino vige with a sneer. Next to him was Balor, a frightening demon with a single, huge eye. His eye never blinked and seemed to pierce through everything it looked at. His skin was dark and shiny, almost like wet stone, and his mouth was full of jagged, sharp teeth. To the right stood Kazrak, with the face of a lion and a thick mane of red fur that stood on end like sharp spikes. His eyes were a fierce golden color, and his muscles bulged with strength under his fur. He let out a low, menacing growl, showing hisrge, deadly fangs. Behind them was Zholga, her body covered in ck, shiny scales that looked like polished stone. She had a long, snake-like tail that flicked back and forth, and her eyes glowed a sickly green. Her horns curved upward like a crown, and she gave off a cold, poisonous aura. Beside her was Vrok, a massive demon with the head of a bull. His horns were thick and twisted, spiraling forward like giant drills. His body was covered in dense, dark fur, and he snorted like a beast ready for battle, steam puffing from his nostrils. Finally, there was Sorgar, a tall, skeletal figure covered with thin, leathery skin stretched over his bones. His eyes glowed a ghostly blue, and his twin horns were thin and sharp like des. He carried a staff, which glinted in the dim light. The Bino demons huddled together, whispering in fear. "Why are they all here? What do they want?" Gornak snorted and stepped forward, his massive feet making the ground shake. "We heard stories, Hound. A new n lord who beat not just you but three others? Sounds like a joke to me." Kazrak, the lion-faced demon, let out a deep growl. "I want to see this new lord for myself." Zholga''s green eyes flicked over to Mra, her tongue flicking out like a snake''s. "Or maybe it''s just another weakling trying to act tough." Mra felt a chill go down her spine. Vrok''s deep voice rumbled through the vige like distant thunder. "Enough talk. If this new lord is here, let him show himself. Or do we need to drag him out like a rat?" Lord Houndughed, enjoying the chaos. "You hear that, Mra? Your so-called lord isn''t here to help you. Maybe he''s hiding like a coward." Mra narrowed her eyes and stood firm, even though she felt the fear creeping up inside her. She needed to buy time until Seojun arrived. "The new lord of the Bino n isn''t afraid of you," she said, her voice strong. "If you want a fight, you''ll get one¡ªbut don''t think it''ll be easy." The six n Lords looked at each other with amused smiles, clearly not taking her words seriously. Lord Hound stepped forward, his grin growing wider. "Oh, I''m going to enjoy this." Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Dare to ignore "Back away Mra" Si hissed and block Hound''s path. Lord Hound''s eyes stayed locked on Si, his sneer widening into a mocking grin. "Who are you to meddle in our business, snake?" he taunted. "Go hide in the bushes where you belong. This is a conversation for those with real power, not for some slithering servant." He nced around, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Zholga! Why don''t you take your snake baby here and keep them out of grown-up matters?" From among the gathered n Lords, Zholga slithered forward with a grin. She was half-woman, half-ck serpent, with long, flowing ck hair and eyes like dark pools. Her serpentine body glided across the ground with a fluid grace, and her revealing attire left little to the imagination, her cleavage hinting at a dangerous allure. "He''s not my baby, Hound," she hissed, her voice smooth and teasing. As she approached Si, her eyes took in his form¡ªthe sleek, silver scales, the powerful coils of his body. A smirk curled her lips. "You know, I''ve never seen a serpent quite like you before. Beautiful, in a way," her toneced with a sultry interest. "Aren''t we suited to each other? Two serpents, finding a way in this harsh world." Si''s expression darkened, his scales bristling with irritation. His eyes narrowed at Zholga, a low, warning hiss escaping his lips. Si were annoyed and he could hear the mocking chuckleing from behind him. It was Huno. "Looks like you''ve found yourself a woman, Si," he barked, one of his heads eyeing Zholga with a mischievous look. "Shut up! And get away from me!" Si snapped back, his hiss filled with frustration. "Temper, temper," she teased, her ck eyes gleaming with mischief. "You''ll scare off all the admirers." Si, thoroughly fed up, shoved Zholga away with enough force to send her back a few paces. "I said, stay away!" he hissed, his eyes shing with a dangerous glint. Meanwhile, Huno''s three heads turned their attention back to the gathered n Lords. His nostrils red as he began to circle them, sniffing at the air, his tails swaying behind him like pendulums. "You really think our master will bother to see you all?" he growled, his voice echoing with a sense of mockery. "What makes you think you''re worth his time?" Si''s serpentine eyes narrowed slightly as he leaned closer to Zholga, his voice dropping to a low, almost inaudible whisper. "Our mother is more beautiful than you," he hissed, a smug edge in his tone. Zholga blinked, her expression shifting from yful to confused. "What?" clearly taken aback. She didn''t quite understand what Si meant, but she was still captivated by his unique appearance and presence. Before Zholga could press further, a deep, arrogant snort echoed through the gathering. Gornak, the pig-like demon with two massive horns protruding from his forehead, stepped forward, his small eyes ring with disdain. "Enough of this nonsense," he grumbled, his voice a low, guttural growl. "Not some mere pets will stop me" He took another step forward,pletely ignoring the menacing presence of Huno. His defiance did not go unnoticed. Suddenly, the ground seemed to tremble beneath him. Before Gornak could react, he was lifted off his feet, a stunned grunt escaping his mouth. His small, piggish eyes widened as he found himself suspended in the air-trapped in the jaws of a now 15-foot-tall Huno. Huno''s three heads growled with primal hunger as they tore into Gornak''s flesh, their jaws mping down with bone-crushing force. In seconds, the pig-like demon was ripped apart, his blood sttering the ground. The other demons watched in a mix of horror and awe as Huno devoured Gornak in one brutal motion. Huno''s heads rose from the gore, their mouths dripping with blood. His eyes zed with a dangerous gleam as he looked down at the remaining n Lords. "Dare to ignore" a deep, echoing growled, his voice that shook the around. "You might end up like him." A heavy silence fell over the gathering. The n Lords, who had been so confident and arrogant moments ago, now looked on in shock. Even the fierce and prideful Zholga seemed unsettled by the sight of Huno''s ferocity. Sorgar, the one-eyed demon with jagged teeth and gray, ashen skin, finally spoke, his voice wavering. "It''s a Cerberus!" he stuttered, his eye wide with disbelief. "H-how can a legendary being like you be tamed?! How did youe here?!" The other n Lords murmured in agreement, clearly taken aback. Cerberus- the legendary guardian of the Underworld, a being of immense power and fear-stood before them as an ally of the new Bino n Lord. Huno, still in his massive form, licked the blood from his jaws with a sense of satisfaction. His eyes glinted with dark amusement. "Tamed?" he scoffed, his three heads speaking in a chorus of low growls. "I serve a master who is worthy. One who is beyond your understanding, demons." "If any of you doubt his power, step forward. I will be happy to teach you the same lesson." The n Lords hesitated, ncing at one another. They were all powerful beings in their own right, but to face a legend like Cerberus, especially when he was allied with an unknown entity, was a risk none of them were eager to take. Huno, having shown his terrifying power, slowly shrank back to his dog-sized form, his three heads still dripping with blood from the earlier battle. He looked around at the n Lords with a dark, challenging gleam in his eyes. "Insult my master again," he growled, his deep voice resonating even in his smaller form, "and you''ll see what happens." Huno padded over to Mra. His three heads lowered slightly, and he looked up at her expectantly. "Wipe my mouths," Mra nodded immediately, understanding the unspoken trust in Huno''s request. She retrieved a clean cloth from her belt and began carefully wiping the blood from each of Huno''s muzzles. A figure then began to emerge from the group of Bino demons. Seojun stepped forward, his presence drawing all eyes to him. "What''s going on here?" he asked, his voice calm yetmanding. Huno tail began wagging wildly, and all three heads started barking in excitement. The great Cerberus, now the size of a dog, ran to Seojun with such enthusiasm it was almostical. His powerful form and earlier menace were all but forgotten. Seojun chuckled softly as Huno jumped up at him, licking his face eagerly with each of his three heads. Meanwhile, Si also shrank to a small snake size, slithering closer. Zholga, who had been observing them with a mixture of fear and fascination, couldn''t help but mutter, "How terrifying..." Si, hearing her words. "That''s my brother to you," he hissed, then crawled up Seojun''s arm, wrapping himself around his neck before nuzzling against Seojun''s cheek. Zholga, still bewildered by the sudden change, blinked. "Brother?" she repeated softly, confusion evident in her voice. Seojun sat down,fortably leaning against arge rock, and continued to pet Huno, who was now joyfully licking his face. Si rubbed his head against Seojun''s cheek, making a soft, contented sound. Mra, who had been watching closely, took a step forward and bowed respectfully. "My lord,The other n Lords are here." The n Lords who had witnessed the scene were all in a state of shock. A human? How did a mere human manage to find his way here? And, more importantly, how did a human be the lord of the Bino n? Some of them began muttering under their breath. "Is he the one who annihted three territories?" Vrok asked, disbelief in his tone. In unison, the thought ran through each of their minds: ''He looks weak.'' Huno, still in his small form but ever perceptive, sensed their thoughts and shifted his heads to re at them. His growl, even in this size, sent a shiver down their spines. They knew not to underestimate him again. Seojun stood up, gently setting Huno down. His eyes swept across the gathered demons, One of the n Lords, a massive cyclops with a single, ring eye and dark, cracked skin, quickly stepped forward. He bowed low, his tone more respectful. "We are here to pay a visit and to congratte you on bing the new ruler. I am Balor, Lord of the Gloomfang n." Another n Lord, with the face of a lion and vibrant red fur standing like a mane around his head, stepped forward next. "I am Kazrak, Lord of the Bloodmane n," A third, a lean, almost skeletal demon with two twisted horns and sunken eyes, spoke up. "I am Sorgar, Lord of the Hollowshades," Chapter 38: Chapter 38: New Clan Member (Grimporcs) Vrok, the bull demon, stepped forward with a heavy thud. His massive frame, covered in dark, rugged fur, was imposing. "I am Vrok," he rumbled, his voice like the grinding of stones. "Lord of the Ironhoof n. We havee to witness the might that reshaped the Abyss. I respect strength and the will to dominate, and I see you possess both." Zholga, the ck serpent woman, followed closely behind Vrok. "I am Zholga,mLady of the Serpentain n. My Lord" Seojun observed them carefully. ''I thought the n Lords were here to challenge me,'' Seojun thought. ''But they''re quite the opposite of Mra''s story.'' Zholga took a step toward Seojun, her movements graceful and deliberate. She extended a hand, but Mra swiftly interposed herself, blocking Zholga''s advance. Her expression was firm but polite. "Why don''t we have a celebration?" Zholga suggested, her eyes bright with anticipation. "For the new n Lord of the Nerathiel Domain." Seojun opened his mouth to respond, but Mra quickly cut him off. "We will handle it for now. Please, rest in the guest hall. You will be guided by..." Mra look around to find who''ll be guding them Si, who had been observing the interactions with interest, crawled closer and spoke telepathically to Mra, ''Make me guide them.'' Mra nodded and repeated aloud, "You will be guided by Lord Si." The n Lords, though somewhat taken aback by the sudden shift, followed Si as he led them to the guest hall. Seojun remained puzzled by their seemingly amicable behavior. As the n Lords departed, Seojun found himself surrounded by Bino demons, who buzzed around him with a mixture of excitement and relief. It was as if they were celebrating his victory and his new status. Mra approached Seojun, her demeanor respectful. "How was your bath spring, my lord? Did you like it?" Seojun smiled slightly. "Yes, it was quite rxing. By the way, the celebration¡ª" He was cut off by Mra, who spoke over him. "We will handle it, my lord. We will present the most delicious delicacies in our domain." Before Seojun could respond, Huno, still in his smaller form, grabbed him gently but firmly and began pulling him away. Seojun''s thoughts wandered as he was led through the bustling vige. ''Delicacies,'' he thought. ''Thest thing I ate was that strange sweet burger bug. I wonder if the food here will be anything like on Earth.'' "Let''s get you a bath, hmm?" Seojun suggested, ncing down at Huno. Huno barked excitedly in response, his tail wagging energetically. They made their way to a nearby area with a small, private bathing spot, simr to the hot spring Seojun had enjoyed earlier. The spot was more secluded, designed for Huno''sfort. As Seojun began to wash Huno, the three-headed dog seemed to revel in the attention. The warm water and gentle scrubbing were a wee change for Huno, who rxed into the bath, his tails asionally sshing in delight. Meanwhile, under Mra''s supervision, the Bino demons were busily preparing for the celebration. They were working on various tasks. Tables were set up with a variety of dishes. Skilled Bino cooks were crafting intricate and vorful meals, including roasted meats, exotic fruits, and special delicacies. The area was being adorned with vibrant banners, glowingnterns, and decorative stones that shimmered in the dim light. The festive atmosphere was taking shape. A group of Bino demons were setting up a stage for performances. There would be music, dance, and possibly even theatrical disys to entertain the guests. Comfortable seating areas were arranged, ensuring that guests would have ample space to rx and enjoy the festivities. As the preparations continued, Seojun finished washing Huno, the system disyed a notification: [System Notification: Congrattions! You have defeated Gornak, the Lord of the Swine n. All members of the Swine n will now be transported to your territory.] The notification was quickly muted, reced by another that detailed a significant harvest. [System Notification: Soul Harvest Completed! You have collected 1,500 Oni souls, 2,300 Drakonids (lizard-like demons), and 5,400 Stormws (Birds-like demons). They are now listed as Host Demon Army Phantoms.] Seojun and Huno left the hot spring, with Seojun pondering the notifications. "I think there was a first notification?" he asked, ncing at the system. [It''s only this host.] Seojun frowned and muttered, "I thought I saw another notification. Nah, nevermind." He turned to Huno and said, "What am I going to do with so many phantoms? You just act without my orders." [I''m sorry, host. I believe that someday they will have benefits to you,] "Tsk, stop doing that. How can I remember all the skills I have? I already told you I don''t want to be overpowered." The system offered another apology, [I''m sorry, host.] Huno spoke to himself ''You''re already overpowered, Master hehee.'' As they exited the bathing area, Seojun was surprised by the rapid progress of the preparations. The area was fully decorated, and the festive atmosphere was in full swing. ''How did they do that?!'' he thought. "What is that?" Seojun muttered, noticing a new group of demons mingling with the Bino. Some pig-like demons, with stout bodies and rough, bristly fur, were helping the Bino demons with the decorations and food preparations. They wererger and more robust than the typical demons, with a gruff, no-nonsense demeanor. Seojun turned to the system, "System, what are these pig-like demons? and where did they came from?" [They are called Grimporcs Demons and they were gifts from the other n lord] The system lied. Seojun rubbed his temples. "n members as gifts? Just how many Grimporcs are there?" [About 3,256, host.] "What?! That many?! What am I supposed to do with them? And how many Bino demons are there?" [About 657, host. Also, there are some Oni children who survived and were added to your territory.] Seojun stared at the system, overwhelmed. Meanwhile, in the guest hall, the six n lords were engaged in conversation about Seojun. Vrok, the bull demon, spoke first, his deep voice resonating in the room. "I must say, I''ve never seen a human became a n lord." Zholga, the half-woman ck serpent, replied with a curious tone, "Yes, and he seems so... ordinary. How did a humane to lead the Bino n?" Sorgar, the Skeletal demon, grunted in agreement. "It''s true. I expected someone more formidable." Zholga''s eyes kept drifting towards Si, who was curled up in a chair, hissing softly. As the n lords continued their discussion, Lord Hound, seeing an opportunity attempted to sneak out of the guest hall. However, just as he neared the exit, Si, in his snake form, slithered silently into his path, blocking his way. The serpent''s eyes glowed with a menacing light as he raised his head to face the intruder. Hound froze, his eyes widening in surprise. "What¡ª" he started, but Si cut him off with a sharp hiss. "You''re trying to leave without permission, Hound?" Si''s voice was a low, dangerous whisper. Hound sneered, attempting to maintain hisposure. "And who do you think you are, blocking my way like this?" Si''s eyes narrowed, and he slithered closer. "I''m someone who takes orders from my master. And you, Hound, are a guest here under his domain. You will not disrupt things any further." As Hound stubbornly pushed open the door despite Si''s warning, the unseen force struck. Hound was suddenly hurled across the room, mming into the wall with a heavy thud. The other n lords, taken aback, quickly moved aside to avoid the flying demon. The room fell silent, and Houndy on the ground, dazed. It was then that the true nature of the force became clear. Si, previously thought to be lounging casually in a chair, revealed himself as three distinct forms: the original Si, now curledfortably in the chair, and two clones standing by the door. Zholga pped her hands in admiration at the disy. "Impressive!" The real Si, still lounging in the chair, let out a yawn and then spoke nonchntly. "Looks like you underestimated me, demon." The clones vanished, and Si stretched, the satisfaction evident in his posture. The n lords exchanged nces Balor, the one-eyed demon, squinted in confusion. "Howe your species, Zholga, have this?" Zholga crossed her arms, her hiss sharp with irritation. "He''s not my species. Can''t you sense it? He''s not a serpent." Kazrak, the bull demon, looked puzzled. "What do you mean?" Si, still rxed in his chair, spoke up with a hint of approval. "I''m impressed that you can sense that." Zholga''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction as she heard Si''s praise. She crawled closer, her admiration evident in her every movement. "Marry me, Lord Si. I will give you everything." Si raised an eyebrow. "Despite knowing that I''m not an ordinary serpent?" Zholga nodded eagerly. "Yes." before Si could respond, Hound, seething with anger, shouted, "You think you can just humiliate me and get away with it? I''ll show you!" He lunged towards Si with a feral growl. Chapter 39: Chapter 39: Celebration- Their Gifts He lunged at Si But before he could reach him, a second head of Si, previously hidden, shot out and grabbed Hound mid-air. With a swift motion, Si''s head threw him forcefully against the wall. The n lords, stunned, murmured among themselves. "A two-headed serpent?" Balor said. Si, now fully transformed into a colossal nine-headed dragon-serpent, hissed. "Make it nine." The room fell silent as Si''s nine heads roared in unison. Balor, eyes wide, stammered, "A Legendary Nine-headed hydra!" Si turn around and Smirk ''I can also show off brother hehee'' As the silence lingered in the room, Mra knocked gently on the door. Si''s gaze shifted to the entrance,"Come in," hemanded. The door creaked open, and Mra entered with a respectful bow. "My lord, everything is prepared, The celebration will begin shortly." Si nodded and return back in his snake form, then turned back to the n lords with a final warning re before stepping away. The n lords, still in shock from the disy, kept their eyes on the ground, respecting the authority that had been so forcefully demonstrated. Leaving the room, Si and Mra led the way out. In the spacious hall, Seojun was seatedfortably in a chair on a raised wooden tform. Huno was lounging beside him, his tail wagging contentedly. Si approached and took his ce on the opposite side of Seojun''s chair, his earlier menace reced with a calm demeanor. Seojun nced at Si with a raised eyebrow, then turned his attention to Mra. "Everything''s ready?" Mra nodded. "Yes, My lord. The celebration will begin soon. We''ve ensured everything is to your liking." Seojun looked around at the preparations and then back at Si and Huno. "They don''t have to do this." Si curled up beside Seojun''s chair, As the sounds of the celebration began to fill the air. Meanwhile, Hound, who had been thrown against the wall earlier,y unconscious on the ground. The celebration took ce in the center of the vige. The area was bustling with activity, decorated with vibrant colors and filled with long tablesden with food and drink. At the heart of the festivities was arge stage where Seojun was seatedfortably. Seojun was on the stage, with Huno lounging beside him and Si curled up on the other side. They were positioned on the edge of the wide open space where the vigers gathered. A person stepped up to the stage in the center of the vige and began speaking. His voice was loud and clear, reaching everyone in the area. "Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, and esteemed allies, wee to the grand celebration!" Seojun, puzzled by the noise and activity, turned to Mra, who stood next to Huno. "Who is that?" Mra looked towards the speaker and then back at Seojun. "That''s my brother, my lord. He''s the one who speaks for us during these events." Seojun''s frown deepened. ''What are they doing to me? I don''t have time for this.'' [You should enjoy this, host. This might be thest time you''ll have a long break without battles] Huno barked in agreement, and Si''s nine heads nodded along. Si''s tails wagged excitedly. Seojun sighed, realizing he couldn''t ignore Huno and Si''s efforts to cheer him up. "Alright, alright," he said, giving in. With that, Si and Huno settled in to enjoy the celebration. As the celebration continued, Mra''s brother raised his voice to introduce the n lords, each of whom would soon make their grand entrance. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "it is my great honor to introduce the esteemed n lords who have gathered here today." He started with the Lord of the Gloomfang n. "First, we have Lord Balor, known as the One-Eyed Demon!" A round of apuse erupted from the crowd. Lord Balor, seated in the front row on the right side, stood and gave a respectful bow towards Seojun. Seojun acknowledged him with a nod. Next, Mra''s brother continued, "Please wee the Lord of the Bloodmane n, Lord Kazrak, also known as the Leoner Demon!" Lord Kazrak, sitting next to Balor, stood and bowed deeply to Seojun. Seojun responded with a nod, maintaining his calm demeanor. Following this, Mra''s brother announced, "Now, presenting the Lord of the Ironhoof n, Lord Vrok, the Bull Demon!" Lord Vrok, who was seated beside Kazrak, rose and bowed to Seojun. Seojun gave him a nod in acknowledgment. The next introduction was for the Lord of the Hollowshades n. "And now, we have Lord Sorgar, the Skeletal Wraith!" Lord Sorgar, who had been seated on the opposite side of the open space, stood and gave a respectful bow. Seojun nodded in response. Finally, Mra''s brother introduced thest n lord. "Let us wee Lady Zholga, the Half-Woman Serpent of the Serpentain n!" Lady Zholga rose from her seat and approached with a deliberate grace. As she bowed, she made sure to present herself in a provocative manner, showing her cleavage and giving a soft hiss. Seojun, maintaining hisposure, simply nodded in acknowledgment. With all the n lords introduced, Mra''s brother continued, "As a token of their respect and gratitude, each n lord will now present their gifts to Lord Seojun." The n lords, having finished their bows and respectful gestures, began to step forward to present their offerings. As the n lords prepared to present their gifts, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Each lord took their turn to approach the stage where Seojun sat, ready to receive their offerings. First up was Lord Balor of the Gloomfang n. He stepped forward with a solemn expression and presented Seojun with a beautifully crafted dark crystal. "My lord," he said, "this is a Gloomstone, a rare artifact that enhances strength and resilience. May it serve you well." Seojun took the crystal, acknowledging the gesture with a nod. The crowd pped, and Lord Balor returned to his seat. Next, Lord Kazrak of the Bloodmane n approached the stage. As he walked, he muttered to himself, ''They told us to present gifts just when the ceremony started. Tsk. Good thing I managed to prepare something in time.'' With a nod of satisfaction. he presented a majestic crimson cloak. "This is the Bloodmane Cloak, known for its protective properties and its ability to increase agility." Seojun epted the cloak, nodding in appreciation. Kazrak returned to his seat, and the crowd apuded. Lord Vrok of the Ironhoof n was the next to approach. He presented a sturdy, intricately designed shield. "My lord ,this is the Ironhoof Shield, a symbol of unwavering defense. May it safeguard you in all your endeavors." Seojun took the shield, recognizing the craftsmanship. He nodded to Lord Vrok, who then went back to his ce among the other lords. Lady Zholga of the Serpentain n was thest to step forward. She approached with a graceful, albeit deliberate, motion. She thought to herself, ''If I had known earlier that I would be presenting gifts, I would have brought a family heirloom.'' She presented a beautifully ornate serpent-themed ne. "This is the Serpent''s Embrace, a treasure of our n that brings both elegance and subtle power." Seojun epted the ne, acknowledging Lady Zholga with a nod. She returned to her seat, and the crowd cheered Lord Sorgar, the Skeletal Wraith of the Hollowshades n, stepped up to the stage with an eerie calmness. His skeletal form moved with a deliberate grace as he presented a ck, ethereal crown. "My lord, this is the Crown of Shadows. It grants dominion over dark forces and enhances your ability tomand." Seojun took the crown, noting its intricate design and dark allure. He nodded in acknowledgment as Sorgar returned to his seat, the crowd pping softly. With all the gifts presented, the room fell into a quiet anticipation. The n lords and attendees awaited Seojun''s response, their eyes fixed on him. Meanwhile, Seojun was busy cing the gifts into his inventory, his attention focused on the task. As Seojun sorted through the items, Huno nudged him gently. Seojun looked up and noticed them waiting among the gifts. ''What?'' he thought, his brow furrowing. He scratched his nape, realizing he had to speak. Standing up awkwardly, Seojun cleared his throat. "Thank you all for these generous gifts," he said, his voice carrying a hint of awkwardness. "I''m truly grateful for your respect and offerings. They will be valuable to me." The crowd responded with polite apuse, and Seojun, feeling slightly out of ce, sat back down beside Huno. After the exchange of gifts, the mood in the vige center lightened as attention turned to the food. The long tables that lined the edges of the open space were now the focal point of the celebration. Mra''s brother stepped up once more, his voice carrying over the crowd. "And now, we invite you all to partake in the feast prepared in honor of Lord Seojun. Our tables are filled with the finest delicacies from each n." At his signal, servers began to bring out tters of food. Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Dishes of Abyss A special tableden with a variety of dishes from each n was brought directly to Seojun. Mra approached with a tter of meat, her demeanor weing. "My lord, from the Gloomfang n, we have the Midnight Roast. It''s a tender, vorful meat that''s a favorite among our people." Seojun looked at the roast, which resembled a well-cooked piece of pork. Intrigued by its rich, smoky aroma, he took a bite. The taste was indeed simr to pork, with a hearty, savory vor. As he enjoyed the meat, a notification suddenly appeared: [WARNING!] You have consumed Midnight Roast! [You have been poisoned!] [Notification: [Resistance to Monster Meat Poisoning] Level Up: Increased resistance to harmful effects from consuming wild beast meat.] Seojun''s expression shifted to one of shock. ''This is monster meat?'' he thought, stunned. ''I never intended to eat something like this!'' He turned to Mra calming down, "What exactly is this meat?" Mra smiled and responded, "My lord, the Midnight Roast is a delicacy from the Gloomfang territory, specifically prepared by Lord Balor. Ites from a creature called the Nightshade Stag. It''s a prized dish in our n, known for its unique vor and rich taste." Seojun looked at the meat again, [The Midnight Roast is simr to pigs, Host.] Seojun took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. Despite the initial surprise, he appreciated the effort and hospitality. Seojun nced at the array of strange foods before him, muttering to himself, "Should I really eat all of this strange food?" [Consuming a variety of n delicacies can increase your overall resistance to various forms of monster-rted effects. Acquiring resistance from monster meat will improve your durability and protect you from harmful effects in future encounters.] Seojun considered the message, recognizing that sampling these foods might offer significant advantages. Despite his initial apprehension, he understood that each dish could help him build valuable resistances. Seojun took a deep breath, "What''s next?" he asked, ncing at Mra. Mra smiled and brought forward a slice of a mysterious dish, which looked like a translucent blue ball of jelly resting on a leaf te. "This is the Azure Orb," she exined. "It''s a delicacy from the Hollowshades n, known for its unique texture and vor." Seojun took the te from Mra, eyeing the blue orb with a hint of skepticism. ''What is this now?'' he thought, unsure of what to expect. He took a bite, and to his surprise, the vor was unexpectedly delicious. The jelly had a sweet, refreshing taste with a hint of something exotic. As he continued enjoying the treat, a new notification appeared: [WARNING!] You have consumed a substance with deadly toxic properties! Seojun began to feel a slight difort in his stomach, a brief pang of pain that quickly passed. He frowned, feeling uneasy, but the difort was short-lived. ''Do they want me to die?!'' Momentster, additional notifications popped up. Ding! [Congrattions! You have acquired Resistance to Toxic] [The Azure Orb has enhanced your agility and reflexes temporarily] Seojun''s eyes widened as he read the notifications. The initial pain was apparently a minor side effect, but the benefits seemed promising. Seojun took a deep breath and finished the slice of the Azure Orb. The sweet, refreshing taste of the blue jelly lingered on his tongue, masking the difort from the toxic effects he''d just experienced. Lord Sorgar stared at Seojun in disbelief. ''No human should be able to withstand the effects of eating monster food like that,'' he thought, Seojun wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and turned to Mra, his expression neutral but his eyes sharp with curiosity. "What monster is this from, Mra?" Mra bowed her head slightly before replying, "It''s the Wyrm Queen''s eggs, my lord." Seojun''s eyes narrowed as he processed her words. ''Wyrm?'' he thought, Suddenly, it clicked. His eyes widened in horror. ''Wyrm... as in worms?'' A wave of revulsion washed over him. He cussed under his breath and immediately reached for the nearest goblet of water on the table, desperate to wash away the taste. He took arge gulp, expecting the familiar, clean taste of water, but his face twisted in confusion. The liquid was thick, bitter, and had an odd, acrid aftertaste but delicious. "What is this?" he asked. Mra quickly answered, "That''s the extract of a Ferocious Glider, my lord." Seojun''s eyes widened further. "Pee?" he choked out, his voice cracking with disbelief. Immediately, he began to cough and gag, trying to spit it out. He doubled over, his hands on his knees, trying to purge the taste from his mouth. His body tensed as he felt a wave of nausea roll through him. Ding! [You have consumed Ferocious Glider Extract.] Effect: Neurotoxic Venom has been ingested. Symptoms include intense headaches, hallucinations, muscr spasms, and potential organ failure. Seojun felt a sharp, stabbing pain shoot through his head, as if needles were being driven into his brain. His muscles began to twitch involuntarily, and a wave of confusion washed over him, making it hard to think straight. He could feel his organs protesting, a deep, unsettling pain radiating from his abdomen. "What is happening to Lord Seojun?" one demon muttered, his eyes darting nervously from Seojun to his fellow n members. "Why did he suddenly hide under the table? Is he ill?" whispered another, her voice filled with concern. "I''ve never seen a human react like this before," a horned demon said to hispanion. "Could the food be too much for him?" Meanwhile, Kazrak watched with a smirk from his seat, ''No human can handle the strongest liquor like that. He''ll end up dying'' he thought, barely containing hisughter. Mra, noticing Seojun''s sudden distress, grew worried and moved closer, blocking the view from the others. "My lord?!" she whispered, concern etched on her face. Seojun could barely hear her over the ringing in his ears. His vision started to blur, but then, another notification popped up. Notification: [Resistance to Neurotoxic Venom Acquired.] Effect: Poison nullified. Neurotoxic Venom effects significantly reduced. Seojun felt the pain in his head begin to ease. The dizziness faded, and the spasms in his muscles slowly subsided. He took a deep, steadying breath and felt his mind clear. The system''s message continued: Further Consumption of Neurotoxic Venom-based substances will strengthen your resistance. Seojun looked up, realizing he had narrowly avoided a serious condition.Seeing him recover, Kazrak''s smirk faded, reced by a look of shock. He couldn''t believe his eyes. Seojun had endured what no human should have survived, and now, he was even stronger because of it. Seojun sit back up, adjusting his posture, and nced around the table. "Alright, what''s next?" he said, as if nothing had happened. Chapter 41: Chapter 41: ill Intent Seojun looked down at thest dish presented before him: a grilled fish with a golden, crispy skin. After all the bizarre and potentially deadly foods he''d tried, this seemed like a miracle. ''Finally! A normal food!'' he thought, his stomach already feeling queasy from the earlier dishes. Mra stepped forward and carefully sliced a piece of the fish, cing it on a leaf te for Seojun. "This is the catch from the Shadowmoor waters, my lord, A favorite among our people for its vor." Seojun took the te lifting the small piece to his mouth. As soon as he bit into the fish, a burst of familiar, simple vors washed over his taste buds. His eyes nearly watered from the sheer nostalgia of it. ''It tastes just like mackerel,'' he thought, almost overwhelmed with emotion. He closed his eyes, savoring the moment. For the first time since this strange banquet began, he felt something that reminded him of home. After all the rich, overpowering vors and bizarre ingredients he''d faced, this in grilled fish tasted like heaven. Seojun savored the taste of the fish, letting out a sigh of relief as he chewed. It reminded him of myeongtae¡ªamon, dried pollock from Earth. After all the strange dishes he''d just eaten, this simple vor felt like afort. He was about to take another bite when he suddenly felt a strange sensation spreading through his body. His muscles started to feel stiff, as if they were turning to stone. Then, a tightness gripped his chest, and his arms and legs felt strangely heavy. [You have consumed the Frostscale Carp.] [Effect: Petrifying Essence Activated. Your body is slowly turning to stone.] Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. "What the¡ª?" Before he could react, another notification popped up: [Effect: Blood Thickening Agent Activated. Your blood is bing thicker. Immediate risk of clotting.] His heart missed a beat. He could feel his blood moving sluggishly, like it was turning into thick mud. His fingers started to go numb, and it was getting harder to breathe. He fought to stay calm, knowing panicking would only make things worse. ''Great,'' Seojun thought, feeling his face grow pale. ''Now I''m turning to stone and my blood is turning to sludge. What''s next, spontaneousbustion?'' He quickly scanned his body with his senses. His hands and feet were starting to stiffen, and his heart was pounding against a heavy pressure. ''How ironic,'' he thought. ''Out of all the weird things I''ve eaten today, this "fish" is the deadliest.'' Seojun''s mind raced. His body had developed resistance to many things after eating all those strange foods earlier, but these were new effects. He then saw another notification: Ding! [Notification: Resistance to Petrifying Essence Acquired.] Ding! [Notification: Resistance to Blood Thickening Acquired.] he sit back up trying to keep his voice steady despite the chaos in his body. Seojun nearly groaned. ''Of course, it''s some weird demon fish. Why couldn''t it be a normal fish?'' He looked around at the demons gathered around the table. Zholga watched Seojun with a sly smile. ''What an interesting human,'' she thought, her mind already racing. ''If I can gain his trust before the others, our n will be the most powerful. Having the support of someone as strong as him will be invaluable.'' Sorgar, the skeletal Lord of Hollowshades, observed Seojun with a mix of respect and intrigue. ''He survived all those deadly dishes,'' shaking his head. ''If I can win his favor, I''ll have a powerful ally at my side. The others don''t realize how crucial this is. I''ll make sure our n is the one he chooses.'' Vrok, the bull-headed Lord of Ironhoof, grinned with dark satisfaction. ''He might even be stronger than Nerathiel,'' he thought, his eyes gleaming. ''If I can secure his support, it will be a tremendous boost for our n. Aligning with a being of such strength will solidify our dominance. I''ll make sure to outshine the others and get him on our side.'' Each of the demon lords harbored their own schemes, driven by the desire to gain Seojun''s support and secure their n''s position of power. They all understood the stakes and were determined to outmaneuver each other. Zholga plotted her next move ''I need to be the first to offer something truly valuable. If I can win his trust now, no other lord will be able topete. Our n will rise to unprecedented heights.'' Behind the Bino House, Hound, the former lord of the Bino n, lurked in the shadows, his eyes burning with intense rage as he watched Seojun. Seojun, now the new lord of the Bino n, was surrounded by the n lords, and Hound''s anger was palpable. His thoughts seethed with hatred. ''How dare this human take my ce as the lord of the Bino n? I should be the one in control, not him. This is an insult to everything I''ve worked for. I willl destroy you and take back what''s mine!'' Hound''s fury was further fueled by the sight of Mra, smilingly serving seojun. ''Mra, who once rejected me and turned me down, is now serving this human with such eagerness! Pathetic! She was supposed to be mine, and now she''s fawning over him!'' His anger grew as he noticed that the other n lords is getting interested to the human. ''They all think they can use him for their gain, but I won''t allow it. I''ll do whatever it takes to eliminate him and reim my position. And as for Mra, she''ll pay for her betrayal.'' Hidden in the shadows, Hound''s rage simmered as he plotted his revenge against Seojun then he thought of something and muttered "Let''s see how stronger you are Human". The system detected something unusual during the celebration¡ªa sudden spike of ill intent aimed directly at Seojun. Recognizing this as a potential threat, the system quickly analyzed the source and discovered it wasing from Hound. ''I need to make sure the host rests without interference. This might be thest time he''ll get a break,'' the system thought. Chapter 42: Chapter 42: The Aeternum Yggrith Without dy, the system decided to mute any alerts that might rm Seojun. It immediately cast a protective barrier around him, one designed to subtly lower his senses. This way, Seojun wouldn''t feel any danger or notice the threat while he was enjoying the celebration. Once the barrier was in ce, the system''s hologram appeared before Huno and Si. It called them urgently. Huno, lounging beside Seojun, lifted his head. Si, curled up on the other side, opened all nine of his eyes. Both of them understood what the system was hinting at. "On it, Father," they responded, ready to act. Meanwhile, unaware of what was happening, Mra approached Seojun and gently tug his coat. "My lord, Our n members would like to have a conversation with you especially the bino offspring, I hope that you''ll grant this small wish," Seojun about to declined, [It''s okay Host, You''re their n Lord you should maintain your image.] Seojun notice the bino demons and the kids waiting for him , he can see from their eyes that they want to have a conversation with him. He sighed seeing the bino demons kid teary eyes and Nodded. Mra happily guiding him. As Seojun was being introduced to the Bino Demons, the system''s hologram continued to disy information to Huno and Si. It provided them with details about the threat and how to handle it without causing amotion. Huno and Si remained alert, knowing they needed to protect Seojun while ensuring he enjoyed his much-needed break. Meanwhile, Hound flew through the bright, clear sky, his dark wings cutting through the air smoothly. His sharp eyes were focused on his destination¡ªa massive tree, thergest one in the entire domain, with a canopy that stretched wide like a giant umbre. As he got closer, a sly grin appeared on his face; he knew exactly what he was after. This tree was ancient and towering, standing high above all the others around it. It was called the Aeternum Yggrith, or the Tree of Eternal Shadows, and it was a legendaryndmark in the Nerathiel Domain. The stories said its roots reached deep into the surface core, drawing from the very essence of life, while its branches stretched high into the sky, full of ancient power. When Houndnded softly on the moss-covered ground near the tree, thick vines immediately shot up from the ground, moving like snakes ready to attack. He reached into his cloak and pulled out a ne with arge, strange-looking eye on it¡ªan artifact of dark power. The moment the eye was visible, the vines froze. Then, as if some invisiblemand had been given, they slowly pulled back into the ground, clearing a path for him. Hound''s grin widened as he put the ne away and walked toward the base of the Aeternum Yggrith. He looked up at the giant trunk and branches, focusing on the rare fruit it produced. The branches were heavy with Umbrn Apples, ck fruits that shined with a strange, almost liquid-like glow. They were about the size of a man''s fist and seemed to pull in the light around them, making long, dark shadows. As Hound stared at the fruit, he thought, ''So, this is the legendary tree of the Nerathiel Domain. The Aeternum Yggrith... Even Nerathiel can''t stop me.'' It was said that the tree had been fed by the blood of ancient gods and spirits, making it stronger over time. Its fruits, the Umbrn Apples, were known to give incredible power to anyone who ate them¡ªenough strength to turn a weak demon into something far more powerful. A low chuckle escaped Hound''s lips. ''Eat one of these, and you get stronger. Just one bite, and you can feel power rushing through you. No wonder this ce is so well-guarded.'' Hound spread his wings and flew up toward the thick branches above. He carefully moved through the twisting limbs until he saw a cluster of the ck apples. He reached out and grabbed one of the Umbrn Apples. He looked at it closely, admiring its shiny, ck surface that seemed to pulse with a dark energy. It looked like an apple but was as dark as night and had a slight metallic shine, like it was coated in oil. Hound''s grin returned as he examined the fruit. ''This will work perfectly,'' he thought. He could already feel the excitement building¡ªthe promise of more power and strength. Hovering in the air for a moment, feeling the heavy apple in his hand. The Aeternum Yggrith, tree in the Neirthiel Domain was once a source of strength for everyone. Anyone could take its fruits, the Umbrn Apples, and gain power from them. But one day, the god Nerathiel noticed something strange about the tree. It was changing¡ªits roots dug deeper, its presence darkened, and its power felt unstable. Worried about the danger it could bring, Nerathiel made a rule: *No one is allowed to go near the tree or eat its fruits.* But Hound didn''t care about rules. High up in the branches of the Aeternum Yggrith, he held a forbidden apple in his hand¡ªa ck, shiny fruit that looked like an apple but felt more powerful. Grinning with excitement, Hound bit into the apple, savoring the taste. Heughed loudly, enjoying the rush of energy flooding his body. Suddenly, hisughter stopped. His eyes widened, and he gasped as a burning pain tore through his body. His muscles cramped, his skin felt like it was on fire, and his bones began to crack and twist. He screamed and fell from the tree, crashing onto the ground below. As he writhed on the ground, his body started to change. His dark skin became more twisted, his wings grew jagged spikes, and his eyes burned with a strange, eerie light. A terrifying aura spread out from him, reaching all corners of the Neirthiel Domain. The other n Lords felt it immediately. The n Lords sensed a dark, powerful force rising. It was something new, something dangerous¡ªlike a powerful demon being born. They quickly gathered, feeling the urgency of the moment. Kazrak, the Lion Demon Lord, clenched his teeth, his golden eyes filled with worry. "What is this presence?," he growled. Zholga, the half-serpent woman, her scales glittering in the dim light, hissed, "I''ve never felt something like this before... Something terrible is happening." Sorgar, the skeleton demon, his bones rattling, spoke in a hollow voice. "A great danger is awakening." Vrok, the Bull Demon Lord, stomped his heavy hooves, his muscles tense with readiness. "We have to find out what''s going on. This could be a threat to all of us, Where is Hound?! Could it be his doing?!" Balor, the one-eyed demon, remained quiet, his single red eye glowing with a dark intensity. "The bnce of power is shifting," The n Lords decided to approach Seojun, who was currently surrounded by the curious Bino demons Children. The demons were poking and prodding Seojun, fascinated by his human form and strange appearance. They had never seen a human before and were intrigued by his flesh and features. As the n Lords moved closer to Seojun, preparing to ask him what he knew about the dark power, a bright hologram suddenly appeared in front of them, blocking their path. Chapter 43: Chapter 43: Golden Elixir- Chocolate The hologram''s sudden appearance shocked the n Lords, making them stop in their tracks. The n lords jumped back, eyes wide in surprise and confusion. "What... what is this thing?" one of them muttered, clearly frightened. "A Spirit?" Glowing letters began to appear on the hologram, forming a message: [I am Lord Seojun Spirit Guardian, Show your loyalty to my master if you wish to gain his trust and support.] Kazrak growled, his voice filled with suspicion, "What do you mean by that? Who are you?" Zholga hissed, "What is this magic? Who is speaking to us?" Sorgar''s hollow voice echoed, "A spirit of the domain, or something else?" Vrok snorted, his nostrils ring, "Enough with these tricks! Show yourself!" Balor''s single eye narrowed as he studied the hologram. "This is no ordinary magic. Speak, whoever you are! What is this test?" [My master knows what is happening in the domain. He is testing each of you.] The n Lords exchanged serious looks as the system continued, [If any of you can solve theing disaster, you will earn my master''s favor and be granted great power. Prove yourselves worthy, and my master will acknowledge you.] The n Lords gathered in a circle, still skeptical about the system''s words. Kazrak, the Lion Demon Lord, growled in frustration. "This is just talk. Why should we trust a whatever that is in the air?" Balor, The one-eyes demon, nodded. "Show us something real¡ªsomething that proves your so-called ''master'' has power worth following." Sensing their doubts, the system decided to give them a taste of something special. The hologram flickered, then changed to show an unfamiliar object¡ªa small, round treat wrapped in shiny, colorful paper that glimmered like magic. It was a Golden Earth Elixir¡ªa name the system gave to what was just a piece of chocte truffle from Earth. This simple candy was unknown to the demons of Nerathiel. In their world, Their delicasies is quite delicious but they had never tasted something like this.. The system''s hologram, introducing the small treasure. [This is a delicacy from a world beyond your knowledge¡ªsomething from a ce called Earth. A single taste of this ''Golden Earth Elixir'' brings an experience unlike anything you''ve ever known. It offers a vor and energy boost so rare and potent, it cannot be found anywhere in your domain.] The n Lords stared at the small object, now curious. Even Balor, the one-eyed demon known for his serious nature, leaned forward, his red eye fixed on the shining candy. "What is this¡­elixir? I''ve never seen anything like it," he murmured. Vrok, the Bull Demon Lord, snorted but couldn''t hide his interest. "It looks small and weak, like it could do nothing... but my instincts say otherwise." Kazrak moved closer, his golden mane bristling with caution. "If this ''elixir'' is as powerful as you im, prove it. Let us see its effects with our own eyes." The hologram shifted, and a smallpartment opened up, revealing the truffle in its shiny wrapping. [One of you may taste it, ] the system dered. [Step forward and experience a treasure from another world.] Zholga, always quick to take risks, slithered forward. "I''ll try it," she said, her forked tongue flicking nervously. She unwrapped the chocte, revealing its dark, smooth surface. The scent was unlike anything she''d ever encountered¡ªrich and sweet. She took a cautious bite. As soon as the chocte touched her tongue, her eyes went wide, and her body shivered. She gasped, feeling a rush of sweet, deep vors and a surge of energy unlike anything she''d known. Her whole being was filled with a new sensation¡ªsweet, smooth, and rich. It was like tasting pure delight. The other n Lords watched closely as Zholga''s expression shifted from shock to bliss. Her serpentine body trembled, her eyes fluttered shut, and she let out a pleased hiss. "This¡­ this is amazing," she whispered, genuinely awed. "I''ve never tasted anything like this in my life." The other n Lords exchanged surprised looks. If Zholga, known for her caution, was impressed by this tiny Earthly treat, maybe there was some truth to the system''s ims after all. The system''s voice returned, calm but firm. [My master holds knowledge and treasures beyond this realm¡ªthings you have never imagined. Now, decide. Will you show loyalty to my master and prove yourselves, or will you miss the chance to gain what no other demon has tasted or held?] To further convince them, the hologram changed again. This time, it showed a glowing Orb of Restoration¡ªa mystical item that could heal wounds instantly and restore energy to anyone who held it. The orb shimmered with a soft blue light, radiating warmth and power. [This is another item my lord can offer,] the system continued. [A rare Orb of Restoration. With it, you could recover from any injury and regain your strength in seconds. An artifact of this kind does not exist in your domain. It is beyond your reach¡ªunless you prove yourselves worthy.] Balor, the one-eyed demon, took a deep breath, his interest clear. "It seems we have underestimated this human" he admitted. Kazrak nodded slowly, a new respect in his sharp eyes. "Very well. We will take this test and prove our worth." One by one, the n Lords nodded in agreement. The system''s disy had convinced them. They were now curious about what more Seojun could offer. The game was on, and they were ready to y by the rules. The n Lords immediately moved towards the forest pushing each other. The system, observing their actions, thought to itself, ''I should have appeared as a ball of light to make it easier for them to understand. But for now, the most important thing is ensuring that the host remains undisturbed and gets the rest he needs.'' Meanwhile, Nerathiel, gazing up at the sky, It sensed the pain of the Aeternum Yggrith and muttered, "It''s dying." In the forest, Huno and Si had transformed into their enormous 15-foot-tall forms. Si, with his nine heads hissing and snapping, led the way with a sense of fierce determination. A dark, swirling fog began to surround them, thickening the air and making visibility difficult. Si, his heads darting in different directions, turned to Huno and said with apetitive edge, "Let''s see who can defeat the demon first. I''ll be the first to reach it!" Huno, with a yful growl, epted the challenge. "You''re on, brother!" As they pushed through the fog, the sound of powerful wings beating against the air echoed around them. The ground trembled slightly with each beat, adding to the tension of the moment. The ck fog seemed to thicken, and an unsettling energy filled the forest. Chapter 44: Chapter 44: The Cursed Beast As the n Lords moved through the forest, they suddenly stopped, sensing something dangerous approaching. They quickly dodged to avoid the iing threat and saw Huno, in his enormous form, crash into thergest tree in the forest. The impact shook the ground, and Hunoy there, stunned. The n Lords turned to see what had caused the disturbance. To their horror, they saw a terrifying figure emerging from the darkness. It was the Curse Beast, a fearsome demon beast once defeated by Nerathiel long ago, now seemingly awakened. The Curse Beast had six powerful arms, each ending in sharp ws. Its body was covered in dark, jagged armor, and its eyes glowed menacingly. This demon was known as the Demon King''s pet, a powerful and dreaded creature. The n Lords were shocked and terrified as they recognized the beast. Its roar echoed through the forest, making the ground tremble. The Curse Beast''s presence was overwhelming, and it seemed to be preparing for something dreadful. The demon held Si tightly, showing its immense power as it restrained the nine-headed hydra. The n Lords were stunned, realizing they faced a danger far beyond anything they had ever encountered. The forest erupted into chaos as the Curse Beast roared again, shaking the ground and the trees. The n Lords, still in shock from the sudden appearance of the demon, scrambled to get their bearings. Balor, the one-eyed demon, muttered in disbelief, "This can''t be real. The Curse Beast... it''s impossible! Nerathiel defeated it long ago!" Kazrak, the bull demon, clenched his fists and looked terrified. "Why is it alive? We must have missed something." Before they could fully react, Zholga, the half-serpent woman, saw the Curse Beast preparing another attack. "Dodge, fools!" she shouted urgently. The Curse Beast, with its six massive arms and sharp ws, swung wildly. It threw Si, the nine-headed hydra, through the air with terrifying strength. The n Lords scattered in all directions, narrowly avoiding the beast''s sweeping attack. Huno, still reeling from crashing into the tree, managed to move quickly. He threw his enormous body beneath Si, breaking the hydra''s fall and preventing it from hitting the ground with full force. As the dust settled, the n Lords saw the battle in full swing. Cerberus, the three-headed dog, and Si, both mighty creatures, fought desperately against the Curse Beast. Cerberus barked and snapped at the demon, his three heads working in unison. Si''s nine headsshed out with venom and fury. Despite their strength, the Curse Beast seemed unstoppable, its dark armor deflecting their attacks as if it were made of iron. Vrok, the bull demon, roared in frustration. "Even the legendary hydra and Cerberus are struggling! How can we defeat this thing?" Zholga''s eyes gleamed with determination. "Then the Golden Earth Elixir is mine!" she hissed, revealing her serpent-like body. She slithered quickly toward the Curse Beast, her movements a blur of agility. The Curse Beast, noticing Zholga''s approach, turned its attention to her. Its six wsshed out, moving with terrifying speed. Zholga twisted and dodged with impressive skill, narrowly escaping the beast''s shing attacks. She struck back, her ws raking against the Curse Beast''s dark armor. Sparks flew, but the armor held firm. The other n Lords joined the fray. Balor, the one-eyed demon, unleashed dark, shadowy projectiles from his hand. He aimed for the gaps in the Curse Beast''s armor, hoping to find a weak spot. Kazrak charged in with brute strength, swinging his heavy weapon and trying to break through the demon''s defenses. The battle was fierce and relentless. The Curse Beast roared and swung its massive ws, sending shockwaves through the forest. Trees were uprooted, and the ground trembled with each swing. The n Lords were forced to constantly move, dodging the beast''s powerful strikes and regrouping to n their next move. Balor''s shadowy attacks caused some damage, but the Curse Beast quickly adapted, using its ws to swat away the projectiles. Kazrak''s powerful strikes made a few dents in the armor, but the demon''s dark strength seemed to keep it moving forward. Zholga continued to dart in and out of range, her serpent-like agility allowing her to avoid the beast''s attacks while delivering precise strikes. She aimed for the armor''s weak points, hoping to create an opening. Her movements were swift and calcted, but the Curse Beast''s relentless assault made it difficult for her tond a decisive blow. Cerberus and Si fought with everything they had, theirbined efforts pushing the Curse Beast back slightly. Cerberus''s heads bit and wed at the demon''s legs, while Si''s heads spat venom and struck with powerful tails. Even with theirbined strength, the Curse Beast seemed nearly impervious. The battle in the forest continued to rage with ferocity. Sorgar, a demon mage, raised his staff high and chanted an incantation. A powerful aura emanated from him, surrounding his allies with a shimmering light. The n Lords felt a surge of energy and strength as Sorgar''s buffs took effect. Balor, the one-eyed demon, saw the opportunity and leaped into the fray. He aimed to strike a decisive blow against the Curse Beast. But as he jumped towards the beast, its enormous, wed hands shot out with lightning speed. Balor was caught mid-air, trapped in the beast''s grasp. The Curse Beast''s ws dug into Balor''s body, and with a horrifying crunch, the demon''s stomach was torn open, causing him to scream in agony. "Balor!" Vrok, the bull demon, shouted in horror as he saw hisrade being attacked. Si, seeing Balor, acted quickly. He unleashed a powerful ice beam from his nine heads, striking the Curse Beast''s arm. The icy st froze the arm solid. The Curse Beast roared in pain and anger, and with a sudden, violent throw, it hurled Balor through the air. Zholga, reacting swiftly, leaped into the air and caught Balor before he hit the ground. With a burst of speed, shended safely and set Balor down gently. "Heal him, Sorgar!" she shouted urgently as she turned back to the fight. Kazrak, seizing the moment, jumped high and swung his heavy weapon with all his might at the frozen arm. The de cut through the ice and the beast''s flesh, severing the arm in a spray of dark blood and shards of ice. The Curse Beast howled in rage as the limb fell to the ground. Sorgar hurried over to Balor, his staff glowing with healing magic. He began to cast a powerful spell to mend Balor''s grievous wounds. As Sorgar worked, Zholga rejoined the battle, attacking the Curse Beast with relentless strikes, her serpent-like agility allowing her to dodge the beast''s counterattacks. But as Sorgar healed Balor and the n Lords tried to press their advantage, their eyes widened in shock. The Curse Beast''s severed arm began to regenerate rapidly. The flesh and dark armor reformed before their eyes, the arm growing back with terrifying speed. The Curse Beast, now even more enraged, roared again and charged at the n Lords with renewed vigor. The ground shook with each step it took, and the forest seemed to tremble with its fury. Chapter 45: Chapter 45:The Curse beast (2) Minuters or It''s been an hour. The five n Lords¡ªBalor, Zholga, Kazrak, Vrok, and Sorgar¡ªwere exhausted. They could barely stand, their energy spent from the intense fight with the Curse Beast. Their breathing wasbored, and their movements were sluggish. The forest around them was a scene of destruction, with trees downed and debris scattered everywhere. The Curse Beast, though heavily injured and with a regenerated arm, still stood strong. It roared with unyielding fury, its presence a daunting reminder of its power. Huno and Si were the only ones still actively fighting. They fought with all their remaining strength. Huno''s enormous form shed with the Curse Beast, his jaws snapping and ws shing. Si used its multiple heads to unleash venom and powerful tail strikes. Despite their best efforts, but it''s nothing the curse beast is shrugging off many of their attacks with its dark armor. Sorgar, having just finished healing Balor, floated above the battlefield. He raised his staff and began to gather all of his remaining mana. A brilliant aura surrounded him as he summoned all the elements he could muster¡ªfire, water, air, and earth. First, mes erupted from his staff, swirling around him in a fierce ze. The fire danced and crackled, casting an orange glow over the battlefield. Next, water began to coalesce around him, forming a massive, swirling vortex that shimmered with a cool, blue light. The air crackled with energy, creating powerful gusts that howled and roared around him. Finally, the earth beneath him rumbled and shifted, with rocks and soil rising into the air, forming a swirling mass of brown and gray. Thebined elements created a mesmerizing yet terrifying disy of raw power. The fire and water shed, steam rising as they met, while the air whipped around violently, and the earth threatened to quake under the pressure. The swirling mixture of elements created a colossal storm of energy above Sorgar, the force of it visible from every angle. With a final, determined shout, Sorgar unleashed the full force of thebined elements at the Curse Beast. The elemental storm hurtled toward the demon, a chaotic st of fire, water, air, and earth. The Curse Beast was caught off guard as the elemental assault struck, the powerful forces smashing into it with overwhelming impact. The forest was illuminated with the brilliant light of the attack, and the shockwave of the explosion pushed back Huno and Si. The n Lords, despite their exhaustion, watched in awe as Sorgar''s ultimate spell raged against the Curse Beast. The beast roared in pain and rage as it was battered by the elemental onught, its dark armor cracking under the pressure. As Sorgar''s massive elemental attack faded, the n Lords saw their chance to strike. They were exhausted but hoped to finish off the Curse Beast. Just as they prepared to attack, Huno and Si suddenly stopped their fight. They looked rmed and rushed towards the n Lords. "What''s going on?!" Kazrak asked, puzzled as Huno and Si skidded to a halt in front of them. Huno and Si''s urgent actions were clear. Without waiting for an exnation, they activated their powerful barrier, a protective shield that enveloped the n Lords. Sorgar, who had been fighting hard and was now kneeling from the exhaustion, realized something dangerous wasing. He quickly took out a monster core, crushed it, and absorbed its energy to regain some of his mana. With renewed strength, he cast a strong barrier spell, reinforcing the protection around them. The Curse Beast let out a roar so loud it shook the ground. Trees were ripped from their roots and thrown around as the beast''s roar caused massive tremors. The beast''s dark armor exploded, revealing a newly regenerated, even more terrifying form underneath. Its armor was now stronger and more fearsome. The n Lords, already worn out, saw the Curse Beast''s healthpletely restored and felt a wave of hopelessness. They slumped to the ground, realizing the fight was far from over and that their chances of winning were slim. "We''re done for," Vrok said quietly, his voice filled with despair. Zholga, her frustration boiling over, shouted angrily, "Damn it, Nerathiel! Where are you?" The Curse Beast, now fully healed and more terrifying than ever, was ready to strike. Its six arms moved powerfully, and its dark armor glowed with a menacing light. The n Lords, already exhausted, braced themselves for the next attack. The beast''s eyes shone brightly as it opened its mouth. A deep, rumbling sound filled the air, and the ground shook. The Curse Beast was gathering energy for a massive attack. "What''s it doing?!" Kazrak yelled. Suddenly, a blinding beam of dark energy shot out from the beast''s mouth. The beam was a fierce, concentrated line of destructive power, moving fast and aiming directly at the n Lords. "Everyone, take cover!" Sorgar shouted as he tried to cast another barrier. Huno and Si reacted quickly. Huno threw himself in front of the n Lords to shield them with full force barrier, while Si created a thick ice wall behind his barrier to block the beam. The beam hit Huno and the ice wall with tremendous force. Huno roared in pain as the beam burned his fur and injured him. Si''s ice wall cracked and shattered, but it slowed the beam''s advance. The ground around them was scorched and melted from the attack. The n Lords huddled behind their defenses, struggling against the heat and pressure of the beam. Sorgar, still weak, tried to keep the barriers strong and help his allies with his remaining magic. "We need to fight back!" Kazrak yelled, trying to stay steady as the ground shook. Balor, still hurt but determined, forced himself to stand. "I''ll provide cover. You go!" Zholga and Vrok, determined to help, prepared to attack. Zholga slithered into position, her serpent-like body ready for action. Vrok, using his bull-like strength, readied his weapon for a powerful strike. Sorgar, having recovered a bit, used his remaining magic to support his allies. "Use all your strength!" he urged, pushing himself to help them. The Curse Beast''s beam continued its intense assault, but the n Lords, driven by desperation, prepared to fight back. Huno and Si maintained their defenses as Zholga and Vrok readied their counterattacks. The battle was chaotic, with the Curse Beast''s overwhelming power shing against the n Lords'' desperate efforts. Chapter 46: Chapter 46: Their Ultimate moves has no effect Zholga slithered forward. Her eyes glowed with determination, her body coiling like a spring ready to strike. She raised her arms, dark energy swirling around her in a violent storm. Her voice echoed through the battlefield, fierce and full of rage. "This ends NOW!" she hissed, her fangs bared. Her body twisted as she summoned all the demonic power within her. The ground beneath her cracked as massive ck serpents made of pure energy rose from the earth, wrapping around her. With a flick of her wrist, the serpents lunged toward the Curse Beast, their fangs gleaming with venomous power. The ground trembled as they struck the beast, coiling around its massive form and squeezing with crushing force. For a moment, it looked as though the Curse Beast was struggling. The dark armor cracked, and its roars filled the air with fury. Zholga pushed harder, sweat dripping from her forehead as she gave everything she had. "Feel my wrath!" she screamed. But then, the Curse Beast roared, its body pulsing with dark energy. With a sickening crack, the serpents shattered, disintegrating into dust. Zholga''s eyes widened in horror. "No¡­ It can''t be¡­!" she gasped, but before she could react, the Curse Beast swung one of its massive arms at her. The blow hit her with bone-shattering force, sending her flying through the air. She braced for impact with the ground, but at thest moment, Si darted forward. He wrapped his transformed serpent body around her, cushioning the blow as they both tumbled to the ground. "Thank you, Si," Zholga whispered weakly, struggling to stay conscious. Next was Vrok, the bull demon. His massive horns glinted in the dim light as he stood tall, his muscles rippling with thest of his strength. He raised his warhammer, the weapon glowing with a fierce, red light. "Curse Beast! I''ll show you the true power of a demon warrior!" Vrok bellowed, stomping the ground with such force that the earth quaked beneath him and took out his weapon. The red light around his warhammer intensified, growing hotter until the very air around it shimmered with heat. With a mighty roar, Vrok charged at the Curse Beast, swinging his weapon with all his strength. The hammer mmed into the beast''s chest, creating a shockwave that shook the entire forest. For a brief moment, the Curse Beast staggered. "Ha! Take that!" Vrok shouted triumphantly, but his victory was short-lived. The Curse Beast growled, its dark armor shimmering with renewed energy. The warhammer''s impact had barely scratched it. Vrok''s eyes widened in disbelief. "No... but that''s my ultimate move!!" he muttered, but before he could react, the Curse Beast swung one of its six arms toward him. Vrok leaped back just in time, dodging the attack by inches. Hended heavily, breathing hard, his strength nearly gone. Kazrak, the lion-faced demon, stepped forward next. As he summoned his power. With a deep roar, he unsheathed his twin des, their edges glowing with fierce, white-hot energy. "Now it''s my turn," Kazrak growled. He dashed forward with lightning speed, shing at the Curse Beast with precision and power. His des cut through the air like streaks of light, aiming for the beast''s exposed weak spots. Each strike was fast and deadly, but the Curse Beast''s armor deflected most of his blows. Kazrak growled in frustration, pushing himself harder, but it was no use. The Curse Beast was simply too strong. "Damn it!" Kazrak cursed, panting heavily. The Curse Beast barely flinched from his attacks, and with a roar, it swung at him. Kazrak managed to dodge, rolling to the side and avoiding the worst of the blow, but his body was at its limit. Balor, the one-eyed demon, knew his turn hade. His single glowing eye locked onto the Curse Beast as he gathered all the energy he had left. A swirling orb of dark magic appeared in his hand, crackling with power. "This is it!" Balor shouted. He raised the orb high and hurled it at the Curse Beast. The orb streaked through the air like a shooting star, mming into the beast''s chest with a deafening explosion. The Curse Beast roared in pain, but as the smoke cleared, Balor''s heart sank. The creature stood unharmed, its dark armor gleaming. Balor''sst attack had done nothing. "It''s impossible¡­" Balor whispered, his voice filled with disbelief. Finally, Sorgar, still kneeling from exhaustion, gritted his teeth. He had one more spell left, but it would take everything he had. With a trembling hand, he raised his staff, drawing on thest remnants of his mana. "Sorgar! Don''t push yourself!" Kazrak shouted, but Sorgar didn''t listen. "I must¡­ We must win!" Sorgar gasped, his voice strained. With a final surge of power, he unleashed a massive st of magical energy¡ªa blinding beam of light that shot toward the Curse Beast. The beam struck the Curse Beast head-on, engulfing it in a brilliant explosion of magic. The forest was lit up like day as the beam tore through the air, shaking the ground with its force. But as the light faded, the Curse Beast emerged, its body untouched. Sorgar fell to his knees, his energypletely spent. "No... No..." he muttered weakly, his eyes wide with disbelief. The Curse Beast, now towering over the exhausted n Lords, let out a roar of triumph. It raised its six arms, ready to crush them all. The n Lords, too weak to fight any longer, could only watch in horror. Was this the end? As the Curse Beast roared in triumph, Huno prepared for his next move, knowing the fight was reaching its critical point he n to go all out. Suddenly, the system appeared before him, showing a glowing message: [I''ve borrowed mana from the host. Since I don''t have his permission, I can only take 1/8. Use the host''s Darkme.] Huno looked at the message and spoke, "Is Master''s Darkme enough for this Curse Beast, Father? You saw the n Lords'' attacks, especially Sorgar''s¡ªthey had no effect." A deep voice responded inside Huno''s mind, calm but firm. [Huno, don''t forget that Host is different. His mana, skills, and spells are not like others. He has the blood of Lady Yuna. Even the weakest spell is ten times more powerful." Huno bared his sharp teeth and growled, "I will trust Master''s Darkme." The system quickly shed another message, [Preparing Darkme¡­ Stand by.] This was no ordinary me¡ªit was Seojun''s Darkme, infused with his mana. The n Lords, still recovering from their earlier failed attacks, watched in awe as Huno began to channel the Darkme. Zholga, Vrok, Kazrak, Balor, and Sorgar could feel the immense power radiating from him. Chapter 47: Chapter 47: Seojun Darkflame Huno began with his first spell. "Hellshadow Fire!" he shouted, unleashing a torrent of dark, scorching mes. The Hellshadow Fire zed with a deep, purplish hue, burning with unholy intensity. It struck the Curse Beast''s left stomach, causing the beast to roar in pain. The mes seared through its dark armor, weakening the beast''s defenses. "Soulfire!" Huno continued, channeling even more energy into his attack. The Soulfire red with a brilliant, ghostly blue light. It was a magical fire that burned with a fierce, ethereal energy, intensifying the pain and damage to the Curse Beast. The beast staggered under the assault, its armor starting to crack under the immense pressure of the spell. "Cursed Emberstorm, target locked!" Hunomanded, his voice filled with determination. The Emberstorm erupted as a storm of swirling, cursed embers. The embers flew through the air like dark, fiery arrows, striking the beast with unrelenting force. The cursed mes consumed the beast''s left side, further damaging its already weakened armor and core. Despite the devastating power of Huno''s spells, the Curse Beast remained a formidable opponent. The initial attacks had weakened the beast, but it was still standing strong. Si, seeing that Huno needed more power, shouted, "You need more mana!" Without hesitation, Si reached out with his remaining strength and began transferring his mana to Huno the nlords also raised their hands and poured thest of their mana into Huno. Their effortsbined to give Huno the boost he desperately needed. With renewed energy, Huno cast his spells again. "Hellshadow Fire!" he roared, the dark mes roaring even fiercer this time. "Soulfire!" The ghostly blue mes intensified further, spreading rapidly across the beast''s surface. "Cursed Emberstorm!" The storm of cursed embers grewrger and more violent, pouring down on the beast''s weakened spot. The system, aware of the immense power being unleashed, issued a warning. [Warning: Thebined spell attacks may alter the domain''s stability. The skill might copse half of the domain.] To protect the surrounding area, the system ced a barrier around the Curse Beast to contain the damage but left the top open where the spells were attacking. The barrier shimmered around the beast, containing the destructive energy and preventing it from spreading. The powerful attacks from Huno, fueled by the additional mana, struck the Curse Beast with incredible force. The beast howled in agony as the dark mes, ghostly fire, and cursed embers tore through its armor and damaged its core. The Curse Beast began to disappear. Its body broke apart, turning into ash and blowing away with the wind. The dark mes and cursed embers had done their job, causing the beast to slowly fade from view. Huno and Si, exhausted from their intense magic, copsed to the ground. They werepletely drained and barely conscious. The n Lords, still stuck in the web and having given theirst bit of energy to help Huno, started to lose consciousness as well. Their strength was gone, and they slumped against the sticky web, unable to move. The Curse Beast''s roars faded away as it continued to disintegrate. Soon, there was nothing left but a few wisps of dark energy floating away. The battlefield was quiet now, with only the sound of the wind and the forest in the background. The n Lords and their allies were unconscious, their bodies worn out from the battle. The system''s barrier, which had protected Seojun and the Bino n, began to disappear as the immediate threat was gone. The Curse Beast was now just a memory, and the battlefield was left in a silent, exhausted state. The cost of victory was clear in the fallen forms of the n Lords and their allies. Seojun with Mra family sighing as he want to go back in his bed, now ooking at Mra Family''s pet which is Small wyrm. The notif appeared but immediately muted. Seojun thought he saw notif but nothing see just shrug. Ding! [Congrattions! Your guardian has defeated the Cursed Beast, Disaster Demon!] Ding! [You have defeated the former n Lord, Great Hellhound. Your n''s strength and Lord influence have increased.] [Level up notification: You have gained experience from the battle. Your level has increased.] Along with this, there was another notification about the Dark me skill. [Your Dark me skill has leveled up.] Ding! [Huno and Si level up!] The system activated the Soul Harvest function to collect the Curse Beast''s essence. The process began with a shimmering, ethereal energy extending towards the remnants of the beast''s soul. The dark energy that had once been the beast was drawn into a swirling vortex and absorbed by the system. [Initiating Soul Harvest] The extraction was meticulous, gathering every fragment of the beast''s cursed essence. As the systempleted the soul harvest, it entered the Loading phase, processing the collected power. [Soul Harvest Complete. Skill Level Up: Soul Harvest] Seojun, though mostly unconscious, could feel a faint shift in his energy. The Soul Harvest skill, which had been crucial in gathering the beast''s essence, leveled up due to its sessful application. [Soul Harvest skill is evolving,] The skill''s evolution began, transforming Soul Harvest into a more advanced form. The system detailed the upgrade: [Soul Harvest has evolved into ''Abyssal Soul Reaping.'' This upgraded skill enhances the ability to extract and utilize the souls of powerful beings, offering greater control and increased benefits from harvested essences.] The new Abyssal Soul Reaping skill provided Seojun with enhanced capabilities, allowing him to better harness the souls he collected and gain even more significant advantages from their power. With the skill evolutionpleted, the system withdrew. Summoning Huno and Si to the Guardian space. Two dayster... The room was quiet and dimly lit, with soft light filtering through a small window. The n Lordsy onfortable beds, slowly waking up. Balor, the one-eyed demon lord, stirred first. His single eye blinked open, and he tried to sit up, feeling groggy. Beside him, his attendant was already awake, watching him closely. "Lord Balor, you''ve been asleep for two days," the attendant said with concern. "The battle took a heavy toll on you and the others." Balor rubbed his head, still feeling strange. "Two days... What happened after the battle?" he asked, his voice deep and gravelly. Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Evolve "Lord Si summoned us after the battle," the attendant exined. "When you all copsed, Si sensed the danger and called for each of us toe and take care of our lords. We arrived and brought you all here to recover. Since then, nothing significant has happened." As Balor sat up fully, he noticed something different about himself. His body felt stronger, and there was a new energy coursing through him. He looked down at his hands and saw they had changed. His skin was darker, almost like obsidian, and his muscles looked more defined. "Something is different," Balor said, noticing a faint glow around his hands. "I''ve already reached my maximum evolution, yet I feel... evolved again." His attendant nodded, eyes wide with surprise. "Lord Balor, it appears you have evolved further. I''m not sure how, but your power feels even greater than before." Balor looked in a nearby mirror. His single eye remained the same, but his horns had grown longer, curving back in a more menacing shape. His whole body radiated a new, darker aura. Meanwhile, Kazrak, the lion-faced demon lord with red skin, groaned as he woke up. His attendant quickly moved closer. "Lord Kazrak, you''re awake! You''ve been out for two days." Kazrak''s eyes fluttered open, his feline features showing both confusion and irritation. "Two days? Where are we?" he demanded. "We are in Lord Seojun''s n," the attendant replied. "Lord Si called for us to tend to you after the battle with the Curse Beast. We brought you here to heal." Kazrak stretched his powerful limbs, feeling stronger than before. He noticed his ws were longer and sharper, his mane thicker and filled with a fiery glow. "I feel... different," he muttered, looking down at his hands. His muscles bulged more than before, and his whole body seemed infused with a deeper, intense energy. On another bed, Zholga, the half-woman, half-serpent demon lord, began to stir. She opened her eyes slowly, her long serpent tail curling around the bed. Her attendant was by her side immediately. "Where are we?" Zholga asked, her voice soft butmanding. "You are in Lord Seojun''s n''s care," the attendant exined. "Lord Si summoned us after the battle to bring you here. You have been asleep for two days after fighting the Curse Beast." Zholga nodded, her snake eyes scanning the room. She felt a new power within her. Her scales shimmered with a new, vibrant green hue, and her snake tail felt more powerful, as if it could crush boulders. She could feel the magic within her had grown stronger too, almost doubling in intensity. Nearby, Sorgar, the skeleton demon lord, awoke next. His empty eye sockets glowed with a brighter, eerie blue light. His bones creaked as he moved, but he felt different too. His attendant stepped forward, seeing the change. "Lord Sorgar, your bones... they look thicker, stronger," the attendant said in awe. Sorgar''s skeletal frame was now covered in an eerie, dark metal-like coating, making him look more terrifying and formidable. Vrok, the bull demon lord, was thest to wake. He groaned as he pushed himself up, his massive horns scraping the bed''s headboard. His red eyes blinked open, and he noticed the change in his body. His already muscr form had grown evenrger, his muscles bulging like steel cords. His skin was darker, and his horns were longer and sharper than ever. "Something happened to us all," Vrok muttered, his voice deep and rumbling like thunder. "We''ve all changed... evolved." Each of the n Lords had undergone a strange transformation, gaining new power and strength. Their attendants stood by, equally amazed and confused. The n Lords slowly woke up, each feeling the lingering effects of the recent battle. Vrok, the bull demon lord, was the first to speak. "We should thank Lord Seojun for everything he has done for us," Vrok said. "Attendant, take our beasts as a gift to this n and show our appreciation." Zholga, the half-woman, half-serpent demon lord whispered,"I will make a contract with the human to support both our ns... Attendant! let''s return so I can speak with my father about this." Her attendant nodded and began preparing to leave. As Zholga moved toward the exit. Kazrak, the lion-faced demon lord, turned to the others. "We need to ensure we get the most support from Seojun. Each of us must show our value." Balor, the one-eyed demon lord, grunted in agreement. "We must demonstrate our worth to secure his favor." As the n Lords and their attendants were about to leave, they all took a moment to reflect on the rewards they had received earlier. The golden elixirs and mysterious items had been tasted before the battle, and the attendants exined their significance. "That thing is not lying, It gave us the elixir" Kazrak said, recalling the earlier taste. "Nothing in the domain has vors like these." Sorgar, the skeleton demon lord, added, "The golden elixirs will certainly aid in our recovery. I haven''t seen such high-quality items in ages." Seojun was hiding in a quiet corner of the Bino n''s area. He was trying to avoid being seen, as he was still ufortable with the way Mra kept pulling him around and making him the center of attention. The system''s hologram appeared, [Please stay for a while, host. You still have time to rest and recover."] Seojun looked at the hologram and said, "I need to find Nerathiel and leave this domain quickly. I have to hurry toplete my mission. My mom needs me and I need to go back." The system''s hologram tried to reassure him. [Host, you are not fully rested. Resting for a while will help you.] Seojun shook his head. "I understand, but I can''t waste any more time. None of the Bino demons have seen me, so I have a chance to move fast. I need to find Nerathiel and get back to my mom as soon as I can." The system''s hologram insisted. Seojun muttered. "I get it, but I have to leave now. I can''t stay here any longer. My mission is the priority." Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Saving the Tree The system''s hologram sensed Seojun''s resolve to leave and decided toply. [As you wish, host. Would you like to summon Huno and Si now?] Seojun shook his head, using his stealth skill to remain hidden. "No, let them stay there . I''ll summon themter." With that, Seojun carefully made his way out of the Bino n''s territory. As he walked, he suddenly felt something strange¡ªa faint sense of pain or distress in the distance. His heightened senses picked up on it, and he decided to follow the feeling. He moved swiftly and quietly through the forest, guided by the unsettling sensation. Meanwhile, in a grand castle, Nerathiel, the god of the domain, sat on his throne, visibly frustrated. He turned to a demon kneeling before him. "Have you found the main ingredient?" Nerathiel demanded. The demon shook his head and spoke with regret. "Forgive me, God Nerathiel. We have not found the main ingredient. It seems it no longer exists." Nerathiel mmed his fist on the throne, causing a tremor to shake the room. "I need that ingredient! If there''s no Vitalis mycelium then how can I save Yggrith?!" His voice echoed with desperation and anger. The room fell silent as the gravity of his words sank in. Seojun reached a clearing where thergest tree he had ever seen stood. It was huge, with a dark, twisted trunk and branches that reached out like ancient arms. The tree had ck fruit hanging from it, glowing softly. The system''s hologram appeared, [This is Aeternum Yggrith, the Tree of Eternal Shadows. Its fruit looks like an apple but is ck.] Seojun looked at the tree, amazed. "This is incredible, What a beautiful tree" As he approached the tree, The vines around that suppose to attack anyone who approach seemed to calm down. The cries he had been hearing grew louder. Leaves began to fall, and some branches started to break. He reached out and touched the tree. Suddenly, he heard a voice more clearly, pleading for help. "Please¡­ help us¡­" Seojun focused on the voice, trying to understand. "Who is this? What do you need?" The voice continued, strained and desperate. "Help us... The tree is dying, It was once a small treasure in the domain, but as years passed, it grew and became the heart of the domain. If the tree dies, the entire domain will perish." As Seojun listened, he remembered the happy faces and smiles of the Bino demons, especially the children. He recalled their warmth and kindness, and it strengthened his resolve. "I will do what I can. Tell me how can i help?" Seojun stood by the massive Aeternum Yggrith, listening to the desperate voice. The tree''s leaves rustled as it spoke, "Vitalis Myceleum¡­ we need Vitalis Myceleum." Seojun frowned. "What is that? I''ve never heard of it." The system''s hologram appeared and provided an exnation. [Vitalis Myceleum is a type of mushroom. It has healing properties and is known for its ability to restore life force and vitality. It resembles a small, glowing mushroom with a pale, bioluminescent appearance. It is often used in healing rituals and is highly valued for its restorative effects.] The system continued, [In the past, demons in this domain used to exchange Vitalis Myceleum for the tree''s fruits. The mushrooms were crucial for maintaining the bnce and health of the domain.] "Let''s go back to the Bino n. They might know where to find Vitalis Myceleum." Just as he was about to leave, the system''s hologram blocked his path. [The Vitalis Myceleum no longer exists, host.] Seojun looked puzzled. "What do you mean it no longer exists?" The system exined, [Vitalis Myceleum was destroyed during a previous conflict when the domain was under attack. The remaining resources were depleted, and the mushrooms have not been replenished since. Without them, the tree''s ability to heal ispromised.] Seojun sighed, feeling the weight of the situation. "So, without the Vitalis Myceleum, the tree can''t be saved." Seojun stood by the Aeternum Yggrith, feeling the urgency of the situation. "There must be another way"He looked at the direction where the Bino demons is and muttered, "They''re not humans, but they deserve to live longer." The system knew that it''s host is kind. Before Seojun, the system''sst host was his mother, Seoyang. She was kind and always wanted to help others, even when it was dangerous. But At the age of 20, Seoyang identally got pregnant, and as per the system''s rules, the system was automatically deactivated and turned back into a book. This deactivation happened because the system''s rules stated that if a host became pregnant, it would turn back into a book and could only be reactivated by the host''s child once they turned 18 and met the requirements which is blood. Seoyang had hidden the book in the basement, knowing that only a female child could inherit it. She was unaware that Seojun had discovered it. The system observed Seojun and thought to itself, ''Looks like the host has grew fond of them. If this domain were to disappear, it would surely hurt his heart. I can''t let that happen.'' The system continued, [There is another way, but I must warn you, host. It might endanger your life.] Seojun gazed at the Aeternum Yggrith, its once-vibrant leaves now drooping. He ced a hand on the tree''s bark and murmured, "If Mom were in this situation, she''d do it without hesitation. Remember telling some of Mom bravery? I''m her child, after all." A smile touched Seojun''s lips as he resolved to act, even if it meant putting himself at risk. The system, recognizing Seojun''s resolve, thought to itself, ''I''m right; it was a good decision not to follow through with my n to take over.'' Seojun looked at the Aeternum Yggrith and asked, "What''s the other way?" The system responded, [The alternative involves a high risk. The first one is You would have to sacrifice a significant part of your own lifespan to save the tree. This means you would be endangering your own life in a serious way. The second one is Performing a dangerous ritual to transfer a powerful essence into the tree. This could be risky and might have unforeseen consequences.] Seojun was taken aback, He took a deep breath and nodded, ready to make the sacrifice if it meant saving the domain and its people. Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Protect Master [Host, summon Huno and Si. You need them to avoid disturbances or interference during the ritual.] Seojun nodded. "Huno, Si," he called out, his voice firm but calm. With a sudden burst of energy, Huno and Si, appeared before him. They had sensed the urgency in Seojun''s call and immediately took their positions, surrounding him protectively. He turned his attention back to the massive, wilting tree before him. The Aeternum Yggrith was groaning in pain, its branches creaking and leaves falling like ck tears onto the forest floor. Seojun took a deep breath. "If there''s no other way... I have to do this." [This is the safest option,] the system. [It''s less dangerous than the first way, where you''d lose half your lifetime. But it still carries risks, host.] Seojun stared at the massive tree, Aeternum Yggrith. "I understand," he said softly. The system flickered again, projecting a circle of runes around Seojun''s feet. [The ritual will begin now. You must focus your energy on the tree''s core,] it instructed. [Do not waver.] Seojun took a deep breath, closing his eyes and concentrating. He felt a surge of energy starting to flow from his body, like a river being pulled toward the Aeternum Yggrith. The tree seemed to respond, its branches shaking and its leaves quivering. Slowly, a dim light began to form around the tree''s core, pulsating as if it were a beating heart. Meanwhile, in the territories of the other n lords, something unusual began to happen. The sky above started to darken, casting deep shadows over thends. The beasts¡ªgreat and small¡ªbegan to act strangely. They became restless, their eyes glowing an eerie red, and they started to attack anyone nearby. Kazrak, the lion-faced demon lord, was watching over the beasts that he nned to offer to Lord Seojun as a gift. Suddenly, the beasts'' eyes shed red, and they went berserk, charging wildly. "What''s happening?!" Kazrak shouted, dodging as one of the beasts lunged at him. He quickly took to the air, soaring above the chaos, and noticed the darkened sky stretching far and wide. Then he felt it¡ªa powerful auraing from the direction of the Aeternum Yggrith. "What is going on over there?" he muttered, noticing some of the crazed beasts running directly toward the great tree. Kazrak wasn''t the only one who noticed the change. In the sky, he saw the other n lords flying toward the source of the disturbance. As he hovered, trying to make sense of the situation, a nt demon floated toward him. It was arge flower with petals like wings, its voice soft but urgent. "Someone is trying to save the great Yggrith, Lord Kazrak" the flower said. Kazrak''s eyes narrowed. "Save? What do you mean?" "The great Yggrith is dying," the nt demon exined. "And someone is trying to save it without the Vitalis Myceleum. But it is causing the beasts of all domains to lose control. You must help him." Kazrak''s mind raced. If the great Yggrith dies, the whole domain could fall apart. He nced back at the other n lords, who were also looking toward the Aeternum Yggrith with concern. If there was a chance to save the tree, they couldn''t ignore it. "We need to head there now," Kazrak growled, making up his mind. He could see that the other n lords were already moving toward the Aeternum Yggrith with the same urgency. Back at the tree, Seojun continued with the ritual, his energy pouring. Huno and Si stood close to Seojun, their eyes sharp and bodies tense. They could sense the danger approaching. As Seojun continued the ritual, more beasts charged toward them, their eyes glowing red with madness. The air was filled with growls, roars, and the sound of heavy footsteps pounding the ground. Huno''s growled in unison, his middle head barkingmands. "Stay back! Protect the master!" With a loud roar, he lunged at the first wave of beasts, his jaws snapping down on one, tossing it aside like a rag doll. The other heads sted mes and ice, keeping the crazed creatures away from Seojun. Si, in his silver-scaled form, dragon body nine heads moved swiftly between the beasts, shing at them with his sharp tail and fangs. "None shall pass!", his eyes locked on the approaching threats. [Barrier activated. Any interruption could cause serious harm to the host,] it announced. The glowing barrier surrounded Seojun like a protective shell, keeping him safe from the chaos outside. Despite the barrier, the ritual remained fragile. If Seojun was disturbed, the energy flow could break, and that might be very dangerous for him. The system knew this and ensured the barrier was strong. [Host must stay focused,] the system reminded. Huno barked fiercely as more beasts tried to break through, mming into them with his powerful body. His heads worked together "Stay down!" he growled, holding his ground. Si, moving like a silver sh, struck any beast that got too close to Seojun''s barrier. "We will protect him," he muttered to himself, determination in his eyes. He knew how important this was¡ªnot just for the tree, but for Seojun''s safety too. The beasts kepting, but Huno and Si didn''t back down. They fought harder, determined to keep any threat away from their master. The dark sky above rumbled with thunder as the beasts seemed to grow more frenzied, driven by some unseen force. Seojun, deep in concentration, didn''t see the battle raging around him. His focus was entirely in the Tree. Huno and Si were pushed to their limits as the waves of beasts grew fiercer. Bloodthirsty roars and snarls filled the air as more and more creatures charged toward them. Si, realizing the overwhelming numbers, decided it was time to use a powerful skill. "Time for reinforcements," Si muttered. His silver-scaled body shimmered, and suddenly, eight other serpents appeared beside him¡ªhis clones, each bearing a single head like his own. Together, they looked like a squad of fearsome silver serpents, their scales gleaming under the darkened sky. The air filled with the hiss of Si and his clones as they moved like a tide, striking with fangs and tails to repel the wave of attackers. One of the clones lunged at a beast that resembled a massive ck panther, its eyes burning red and saliva dripping from its fangs. The clone coiled around the panther, squeezing tight until the beast was crushed with a sickening crunch. But there were too many. A monstrous boar-like creature with six tusks and spiked fur charged toward them Chapter 51: Chapter 51:Beast wave Seojun as he sat at the center, eyes closed, focusing all his energy on the ritual to save the Aeternum Yggrith. His hands pressed firmly against the ancient bark, and a bright light began to glow from the tree''s core. The ground trembled slightly, and the air was thick with tension. The barrier around him glowed, protecting him from the chaos outside, but it was not invincible. Huno and Si stood like guardians before him, surrounded by a swarm of wild, frenzied beasts. The creatures attacked without stopping, their eyes glowing red with madness. Huno, with his three heads, fought fiercely, Si, now using his clones, fought alongside him. Each of his eight clones had a single head, turning them into a squad of silver-scaled serpents. "There''s too many beasts!" Huno shouted, his deep voice booming over the chaos. He mmed his paws into the ground, sending a shockwave that knocked back a group of beasts¡ªgiant, boar-like creatures with six tusks and thick, spiked fur. But for every beast they pushed back, more took their ce. Then, a new threat appeared from above. Winged creaturesrge, bat-like beasts with leathery wings and multiple glowing eyes¡ªbegan to dive down from the darkened sky. Some had four wings, some had three heads, and others were covered in scales that shimmered in the dim light. "Iing, from above!" Huno shouted activating his new skill, his middle head spewing a torrent of fire to burn the hos away. Some caught fire and fell to the ground, but others dodged and continued their attack. They screeched as they flew, diving toward Seojun''s barrier, trying to break through from above. "If only we could use our original size, we could block them all," Si hissed, frustration in his voice because the biggest they can grow is only 15 feet tall as they have to level up more. The beasts swooped down fast, forcing Si and his clones to strike them out of the air. He coiled his body and shot upward, his jaws snapping shut around a beast''s wing, tearing it off and sending the creature crashing to the ground. Meanwhile, Huno leaped up, his left head sting fire to burn another out of the sky. A swift, serpent-like beast with sharp ws and wings managed to slip past their defenses. It darted toward Seojun''s barrier, its eyes glowing red with a crazed hunger. "Master!" Huno and Si shouted in unison, their voices filled with urgency. They moved to intercept, but they were just a second toote. The beast mmed against the barrier with a loud bang. Inside the barrier, Seojun winced in pain, his eyes squeezing shut. The barrier shook, and a ripple of energy shot through it. The impact caused the ritual to tremble, and Seojun''s body tensed as he struggled to maintain focus. [The barrier must not be breached,] the system warned. [Interference will cause great risk to the host.] Huno acted quickly. He sprang forward with all three heads snapping and bit down on the beast''s nape. With a powerful twist, he threw the creature far away, sending it crashing into a group of beasts below. But in his moment of action, Huno was caught off guard. Three more beasts-a giant, bear-like monster with two heads, a horned wolf with spikes all over its body, and a creature that looked like a mix of a lizard and a centipede with long, sharp legs- pounced on him. Their jaws mped down on his back and legs, dragging him away from Seojun''s side. "Brother, hold on!" Si shouted, his clones quickly rushing to help Huno. Two of his serpents coiled around the bear-like beast, squeezing it until its bones cracked, while another two clones bit and shed at the horned wolf, trying to pry it off Huno. But with Huno dragged away, another winged beast, a giant bat with a lion''s face and ws like a hawk''s, swooped down, aiming straight for Seojun''s barrier. It crashed into the glowing shield, and this time the barrier flickered more violently. Seojun''s face twisted in pain, his body shivering as the ritual was threatened. The tree groaned as the flow of energy wavered. Inside the barrier, Seojun flinched, his body tensing up. The ritual energy trembled again, and the tree groaned in pain. [Host is experiencing severe stress. The ritual''s stability is at risk,] the system''s warned. Huno, despite being bitten and dragged, roared with fury. With a burst of strength, he ripped free from the creatures holding him. His middle head sted the lizard-like beast with mes, burning it to ash, while his left head crushed the wolf''s skull in its jaws. His right head snapped at the bear creature, forcing it to release its grip. Panting, blood dripping from his wounds, Huno rushed back to Seojun''s side, just as the lion-faced bat was about to strike the barrier again. With a mighty leap, Huno intercepted it, his jaws mping down on its neck. "Not today!" he growled, ripping the beast away and tossing it back into the air. Si and his clones finished off the remaining attackers around them, making sure to keep a close eye on the sky. "We have to hold them back, brother!" Si said. "Yes, for Master!" Huno replied, his heads scanning for any new threats. A single bat-like beast managed to slip through a gap. It was small but fierce, with its mouth wide open and teeth ready to tear. It darted toward Seojun''s barrier, aiming to smash into it. Seojun''s body tensed even more as the strain of maintaining the ritual while defending against constant attacks weighed heavily on him. His breathing became shallow. Huno was pinned to the ground, struggling beneath the weight of several beasts wing and biting at him. His three heads snapped and snarled, trying to fend them off, but the beasts were relentless. One was a giant, saber-toothed lion with a mane of spikes, while another was a massive bear with scales instead of fur. The third was a boar-like creature with tusks as long as swords, its red eyes glowing with fury. Huno tried to stand, but thebined weight of the beasts kept him down. Blood dripped from his wounds, and his strength was fading. Chapter 52: Chapter 52: All together Meanwhile, Si was surrounded, fighting off beasts from every side. His main body coiled andshed, knocking back a pack of armored wolves and giant centipedes that tried to swarm him. He was doing everything he could to protect Seojun, but the sheer number of beasts was overwhelming. His body was covered in cuts and bruises, and his muscles burned from exhaustion. Si gritted his teeth and thought, "After this, I have to get stronger. I can''t let this happen again. Next time, I won''t be struggling like this."Just then, Huno, with all his might, let out a powerful howling roar that echoed across the battlefield. The sound was deafening, and the beasts on top of him were thrown back, unable to hold their ground against the sheer force of his voice. Some flew away, crashing into trees and rocks, while others staggered back, disoriented. The beasts around Si also stopped in their tracks, momentarily stunned by the roar. But it was only for a moment. They quickly began to recover, snarling and growling as they prepared to attack again. Huno and Si were both breathing heavily, their bodies heaving with each breath. They were exhausted, but they knew they had to keep fighting. They couldn''t let any beast get past them and reach Seojun. Above them, several flying beasts began to circle. Huge, eagle-like creatures with sharp talons and glowing red eyes screeched as they swooped down, aiming directly for Seojun''s barrier. Huno and Si both knew that if only they could use their original size, they could easily block these attacks. However, the highest size they could grow for now was 15 feet tall. "Master!" both Huno and Si shouted in unison as one of the flying beasts slipped past their defenses, diving straight toward Seojun''s barrier. The beast was a terrifying, bat-winged creature with a long, spiked tail. It screeched as it crashed against the barrier, causing it to ripple and shake violently. Inside the barrier, Seojun winced in pain. His eyes closed as he felt the barrier tremble, his connection to the ritual wavering with every blow. His concentration was breaking, and the ritual itself began to shake, its energy fluctuating dangerously. "Not good!" Huno roared, leaping at the bat-winged beast. His powerful jaws snapped around its nape, and he threw it away with a powerful jerk of his neck. Another winged beast¡ªa giant serpent-like creature with fiery wings¡ªdove toward Seojun''s barrier. Si''s main body, struggling to fend off a pack of razor-wed wolves, spotted it and hissed. Heunched himself at the flying beast, coiling around it and squeezing tight. The beast screeched in agony as Si''s powerful coils crushed its bones, but more beasts wereing. Suddenly, Lord Sorgar, a tall, thin figure draped in dark robes, raised his staff. His eyes glowed with a cold, blue light. With a swift motion, he cast a spell that sent out a wave of ice shards, piercing the beasts around him and freezing others in their tracks. "We have to keep them away from the barrier!" hemanded. "The tree''s revival is our only hope!" Beside him, Lady Zho, the half-woman serpent , gracefully weaved through the beasts with her dual swords in hand. Her serpent''s tail crushed anything in her path as she fought her way toward Si''s main body. She saw the silver serpent struggling to maintain control amidst the chaos. With a sly smile, she approached Si, her eyes glittering with interest. "You fight well, Lord Si," she said with a hint of admiration. "Perhaps after this, we should see who is truly stronger...or perhaps...closer?" She winked, her tongue flicking out yfully. Si, not missing a beat while snapping at a beast''s neck, gave a low growl, "Now is not the time, Zholga! Focus on the battle!" Lord Vrok, the bull demon, charged through the battlefield, he bellowed. "We will push these beasts back together!" Lord Balor, a towering, one-eyed demon. He raised his hand, and a beam of destructive energy shot out, vaporizing the flying beasts above Seojun. For a moment, the beasts halted, dazed by the sheer power of Huno''s roar. The n Lords took this opportunity to press the attack. Lord Sorgar unleashed a barrage of magical sts, freezing and shattering the nearest beasts. Lord Vrok plowed through them like an unstoppable force, while Zho shed and twirled with deadly precision, her eyes always ncing back at Si with a smirk. Breathing heavily, Huno and Si regrouped. Both of them were battered, their bodies covered in wounds, but they still stood strong. As they looked around, they saw a giant eagle-like beast fall from the sky, mmed to the ground by Lord Kazrak. The n Lords were all fighting together now, theirbined power pushing back the seemingly endless wave of beasts. Huno and Si''s hopes rose. "Don''t let them break through!" Lord Kazrak roared, swinging his axe with great force. Together, the n Lords, Huno, and Si formed a tight perimeter around Seojun. The beasts kepting, but now there was a united front pushing them back. Inside the barrier, Seojun felt the attacks cease, and a wave of calm washed over him. The barrier was no longer trembling, and he could focus once again. The ritual stabilized, the essence flowing more smoothly from his hands into the roots of the Aeternum Yggrith. As Seojun concentrated, the essence began to pulse with a bright, steady glow. It seeped deep into the tree''s roots, spreading out and touching the very soul of the ancient tree. He could feel the tree responding, drinking in the essence like water to a parched desert. The bark glowed with a soft, warm light, and the once-faded leaves began to regain their lush green color. The process was slow, delicate. Seojun was guiding the essence with careful precision, helping the tree rebuild its strength from within. He could feel the deep roots of the Aeternum Yggrith stretching far and wide, absorbing the life essence and sending it throughout the domain, healing the wounds that had weakened it over time. He felt connected to the tree, almost as if their hearts were beating together. He could sense the pulse of life returning to the tree, like a great heartbeat resonating through the earth. The essence continued to flow, revitalizing the ancient being with every passing moment. Chapter 53: Chapter 53: Yggrith If the barrier around him were to be breached. The essence, once a steady, calming light, would turn wild and chaotic. Instead of flowing smoothly into the tree, it wouldsh out in all directions. The bacsh of essence would explode like a violent storm, tearing through the roots of the Aeternum Yggrith and sting away parts of the tree. The roots that had begun to heal would shrivel and darken, turning to ash under the pressure of the uncontrolled energy.This bacsh could also strike back at Seojun, causing deep wounds to open up across his body. His veins might burn with the intensity of the bacsh, feeling like moltenva flowing through them. His skin would blister, and his bones would feel like they were being crushed under an immense weight. The pain would be overwhelming, and Seojun could find himself on the brink of unconsciousness. Seojun felt a sudden pull, like being sucked into a vortex. His entire body was engulfed in a rush of energy. For a moment, everything was a blur¡ªcolors swirling, sounds merging into a deafening hum. Then, just as suddenly, everything became calm. He felt cool air against his skin and realized he could breathe freely again. Slowly, he opened his eyes and found himself standing in the middle of a vast, never-ending grasnd. The sky above was bright, with a clear blue that stretched as far as he could see. The air was fresh and cool, carrying the scent of wildflowers and grass. Seojun looked around, taking in the peaceful surroundings. The grass beneath his feet swayed gently in the breeze, and there was no sign of the chaos he had just been in. Everything felt strangely calm and serene, almost dreamlike. As he looked further, he noticed a single tree standing alone in the t grasnd. He decided to approach the tree, curiosity tugging at him. As he walked closer, he thought, "It looks like the Yggrith, but it''s much smaller¡ªjust like a normal tree." The tree had the same shape and structure as the ancient Aeternum Yggrith he had seen before, but this one was far more ordinary. Its branches were full of healthy green leaves, and its trunk looked strong and solid. As he reached the tree, Seojun suddenly felt a light touch on his cheek. Instinctively, he covered his cheek with his hand, feeling a soft breeze brushing against his skin. He looked up at the tree, and to his surprise, he saw a figure standing there¡ªa woman, almost like a soul, shimmering in the soft light. She had a calm, ethereal presence, her body glowing faintly as if made of light itself. Her long hair flowed in the air like water, moving with the gentle wind. She looked at him with deep, knowing eyes, and he could feel something ancient and powerful behind that gaze. Seojun took a step back, a bit startled, and muttered, "What are you? A ghost?" The woman didn''t speak out loud, but he heard her voice clearly in his mind. It was soft and gentle, like a whisper carried by the wind. "I am Yggrith," she said. Seojun blinked in confusion. "You mean the tree?" he asked, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. The soul-like woman nodded slowly, her long hair still waving in the air, as if it had a life of its own. She was calm and serene, her presence soothing, yet there was a depth to her eyes that spoke of ancient wisdom and life beyond what he could understand. Somehow, through the ritual, he had entered a realm where the spirit of the tree could appear and speak to him directly. "Don''t be scared," the voice of Yggrith spoke softly in Seojun''s mind. The soul-like figure of Yggrith moved gracefully, gesturing for him toe closer to the tree. Seojun hesitated for a moment, but something about her calm presence made him trust her. Slowly, he stepped forward until he was right beside the tree. Yggrith, her form glowing softly, reached out and gently took Seojun''s hand. She guided his hand toward the trunk of the tree. As his hand touched the bark, Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. He could feel a heartbeat¡ªa slow, steady rhythm pulsing through the tree. "This...," he muttered in surprise, his voice barely a whisper. He had not expected this living, breathing sensation from a tree. Yggrith floated beside him, her form shimmering gently in the light. Her voice sounded in his mind again, calm and grateful. "Because of you, we will live longer. Thank you so much, Savior." She bowed to him with deep respect, her glowing figure almost touching the ground. Seojun felt a little awkward, scratching his cheek. "Please, call me Seojun," he said. "I wouldn''t have been able to save you without my guardians and the others." Yggrith looked at him, her expression soft and understanding. "Still, you chose to risk yourself to save us. For that, we are deeply grateful." Seojun nodded, his mind still processing everything. "I just didn''t want this ce to disappear," he said. "The Bino demons, especially the children... they deserve to live and be happy here." Yggrith smiled gently, her form glowing even brighter. "You have a kind heart, Seojun," she said. "This domain, this world... it is a ce where many lives are intertwined. Your actions have saved not just a tree but the lives that depend on it." Seojun looked around at the endless grasnds, the sky above so bright and clear. It felt peaceful here, like a world untouched by pain or suffering. "Is this... your true form?" he asked. Yggrith nodded. "This is the spirit of Aeternum Yggrith," she exined. "A ce between worlds where I can appear to those who have connected deeply with me." Seojun took a deep breath, feeling the calm of this ce settle in his chest. "I''m d I could help," he said quietly. "But what happens now?" Yggrith''s eyes sparkled, and her voice echoed softly in his mind. "Now, you return and should you ever need the strength of Aeternum Yggrith, you only need to call upon us." Seojun nodded. Yggrith''s glowing figure floated closer to him. Her eyes, deep and ancient, seemed to draw him in. Without a word, she leaned forward... Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Hes here She softly pressed her lips against his. Seojun''s eyes widened in surprise, and his first instinct was to push her away. But as her lips touched his, he felt a wave of calm wash over him. His body rxed, and his eyes slowly closed. The world around him seemed to fade away, leaving only a sense of peace. Momentster, he was abruptly pulled back to reality by the sound of barking. His eyes snapped open, and he found himself lying on a soft bed. He sat up, noticing he was back in a familiar room¡ªa room where he used to rest in his n''s sanctuary. Huno, now in a small dog size, was barking excitedly at his side, his three heads each wagging their tails with joy. As Seojun shook off the dizziness, the door burst open, and Mra rushed in, her eyes wide with relief. She practically threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "You''re awake, my lord!" she said, her voice shaky with emotion. Seojun gently pushed her away, still disoriented. "What happened?" Mra sniffed, quickly wiping her eyes. "The n lords said that after the ritual of saving the Aeternum Yggrith, you lost consciousness," her voice breaking. Then, suddenly, she burst into tears, her body trembling. "I''m worthless! I didn''t even know something that important was happening. I vowed to protect and follow you, my lord, yet I''m worthless!" Seojun frowned, taken aback by her outburst. ''Follow me?'' he thought. ''When did she vow that?'' Before he could say anything, Lady Zholga appeared behind Mra, her serpentine eyes narrowed with amusement. She chuckled softly, her tail flicking behind her. "Calm down, dear," she said, tapping Mra''s back. "It has already happened." She turned her gaze to Seojun next, her expression bing more serious. She approached him and then bowed deeply, her head nearly touching the ground. "My lord, Thank you so much for saving the Aeternum Yggrith." Her voice was filled with respect, and Seojun could sense the genuine appreciation from her. Seojun nodded slowly, his mind still catching up to the present. He looked around the room, seeing the relieved faces of those who cared for him. "It wasn''t just me," he said finally, his voice firm but kind. "I had help from my guardians. I couldn''t have done it alone." Lady Zholga nodded, her eyes softening. "Even so, it was your will and bravery that led us to this moment. The spirit of Yggrith has blessed you, my lord. You are truly the Savior of our Domain." Seojun nodded and Lady Zholga gently pulled Mra out of the room, saying, "Let Lord Seojun rest and make preparations. By the way, Lord Seojun, Nerathiel ising to visit." "Nerathiel?" Seojun muttered, a hint of surprise in his voice. He hadn''t expected the fallen deity toe by. Huno, who had been sitting by Seojun''s side, barked happily and wagged his tail in response. The excitement in Huno''s demeanor was evident, even if he didn''t speak. Seojun looked around the room, thinking aloud, "Looks like we''re going to leave this domain soon." Si, who had been sleeping in Seojun''s coat pocket, stirred and crawled out. The small, serpentine creature made its way up to Seojun''s shoulder, rubbing its face affectionately against his cheek. Seojun, feeling a deep sense of gratitude, looked at Huno and Si. Although they didn''t speak, he knew they understood. "Thank you both," he said softly. As Seojun settled back into the room, the system hologram appeared, disying a notification: [You should check your notifications, host.] "Oh right," Seojun muttered, remembering that he needed to review his updates. He opened his status and noticed the message icon. With a tap, he essed the notifications. Ding! [Skill Evolution: Abyssal Restoration] Congrattions, host! Your basic healing skill has evolved into Abyssal Restoration due to the rewards granted by Yggrith. This new skill offers advanced healing capabilities, allowing you to mend severe injuries and elerate recovery significantly. - Seed of Yggrith You have received the Seed of Yggrith. This item is currently locked or unavable, and detailed information will be provided once it bes essible. Yggrith''s gift had been a powerful boon, enhancing his basic healing ability. The Abyssal Restoration skill now allowed him to heal wounds more effectively, with the added benefit of mending deeper injuries and elerating recovery at an advanced level. New Item: Yggrith''s Leaf Yggrith''s Leaf x3 has been added to your inventory. This mystical leaf can be used three times to call upon the aid of Yggrith, but its power may vary depending on the situation. Level Up: Congrattions! You have leveled up. n teritorry Expansion Your overall n territory area has increased, expanding your influence and control. Guardians Level Up! New Height: 20 feet tall (Increased from 15 feet) New Skills Unlocked! Huno barked and Si hissed, both showing their excitement. Seojun smiled and petted them. "Good job, you two," he said, appreciating their efforts. "System, what''s the risk of saving Yggrith?" Seojun asked when he remembers that there''s risk. [I''m still figuring it out, Host. For now, I only notice one thing ¡ª your hair is changing into white.] "What?!" Seojun reacted in shock. He immediately looked around for a mirror but found none. Desperate, he rummaged through his inventory and pulled out a Crystal Shard. Holding it up to inspect his reflection, he noticed something rming ¡ª his hair, which was once short, was now growing long, covering his ears, and the tips were turning white. Seojun blinked at his reflection, tugging on the white tips of his hair. "So I''m gonna look like an old person if my hair turns white?" he muttered in disbelief. [It''s okay, Host, it suits you] Seojun shot an exasperated look toward the empty air. "Suits me? I''m not trying to be some old man" he groaned, flipping his hair dramatically. "What''s next, a cane and some wise sayings? Maybe I''ll start growing a long beard too." Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Seojun took a deep breathe and bring back the shard in the Inventory with his thoughts ''It''s okay Seojun, Just Calm down maybe having a white hair is not bad'' and he called out. "Come in" Mra''s brother entered and bowed. "Lord Seojun, God Nerathiel has arrived. He would like to meet you." Seojun stood up and nodded. Mra''s brother led him outside. As they walked, Seojun noticed other demons watching from a distance. They arrived at arge, open area with a circle drawn on the ground. In the center stood a figure. Seojun thought, ''Is that Nerathiel?'' The figure, glowing with an otherworldly light, spoke directly into Seojun''s mind. "So, you are the human. Seojun, isn''t it?" Seojun frowned, surprised. "Yes, that''s me." "Come closer," Nerathiel''s voice echoed in his mind again. Seojun was curious about what was happening. The n lords, Huno, and Si all stood to the side, watching silently. As Seojun stepped toward the circle, his system suddenly activated an rm. [System Alert: Entering Forcefield, You''re entering a restricted zone. All external support is disabled] [I can''t interfere you''re on your own, host Goodluck.] Before Seojun could react, he crossed the line into the circlepletely. There''s only one thing in his mind, he would be fighting without the System, without Huno or Si, and his opponent was a fallen god. Chapter 55: Chapter 55: Battle with a Fallen God As Seojun stepped further into the circle, he felt a chilling sensation run down his spine. Nerathiel''s presence was overwhelming, a dark aura radiating from him that seemed to wrap around Seojun like a suffocating shroud. For a moment, it was as if he couldn''t breathe, his body freezing under the weight of that oppressive energy. ''What is this?'' Seojun thought, his heart pounding. Then, just as quickly as the feeling came, it vanished. He took a breath and realized, ''Looks like it''s my Fear Resistance kicking in. Without my system''s full support, I''ll have to be even more careful.'' He steadied himself, his gaze locked on Nerathiel. There was no turning back now. Seojun tightened his grip on his scythe, feeling the cool metal of the handle against his palm. ''I don''t have my system to guide me, but I still have ess to its features. I just have to rely on my instincts and experience,'' he reminded himself. Nerathiel''s voice cut through the air like a de. "So, it is true," The dark aura emanating from the fallen god pulsed with every word. "The human who annihted three demon lords dares to stand before me." He hesitated for a moment, ''I can''t afford to lose here. I have to find a way out of this domain, find the Abyss Lord, and¡ªmost importantly¡ªreunite with Mom.'' The thought of his mother gave him strength, and he squared his shoulders, meeting Nerathiel''s fiery gaze. "I don''t just stand before you," he said, his voice steady but his mind still cautious. "I''m here to face you." Nerathiel''s eyes narrowed, a flicker of dark amusement in his expression. "Bold words for a mortal," he said. His voice held an edge that was both mocking and threatening. "Mra said you wish to defeat me. Do you truly believe you can?" Seojun''s mind was still calcting. He knew he had to be strategic. ''Without the system to guide me, one wrong move could end it all.'' He couldn''t afford to rush in blindly. He needed to test Nerathiel, find a weakness, and strike when the time was right. "I don''t need to believe," Seojun replied, his grip tightening on his scythe. "I just need to try." Nerathiel''s chuckle rumbled through the barrenndscape like a distant storm. "Interesting," he said. "Very well, human. You may try." As Nerathiel stepped forward, his sword crackling with dark energy, the air grew colder again. The weight of his presence pressed down on Seojun, but this time he held his ground. He couldn''t let fear dictate his actions. He had to be focused. Seojun thought. With a swift motion, he drew his scythe, the de gleaming under the moonlight. Nerathiel raised his sword, pointing it at Seojun. "Show me, then," hemanded, his voice carrying a deep, echoing power. "Show me the strength that makes you think you can challenge a god." Outside the forcefield, the atmosphere was tense among the Bino demons and n lords. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as they watched the thick, swirling ck smoke that concealed the battle inside. None of them could see what was happening, and the uncertainty weighed heavily on them. Mra stood among them, her brow furrowed with concern. Yet, deep down, she believed in Seojun''s strength. ''He is no ordinary human,'' she thought. ''Lord Seojun will find a way to win.'' Meanwhile, the other n lords observed the forcefield, eyes narrowed and arms crossed. The ck smoke churning within made it impossible to see or sense what was going on inside. The tension was palpable. "Ah, Nerathiel is probably enjoying himself right now," Zholga muttered, her eyes glinting with a strange excitement. "He''s found an interesting opponent this time." A small demon child, barely reaching Mra''s waist, tugged on her hand, looking up with wide, worried eyes. "Sister Mra, will Lord Seojun win?" the child asked softly. Mra looked down and offered a reassuring smile. "He will," she replied with quiet confidence. "Lord Seojun is the strongest human we''ve ever encountered." Nearby, Hunoy on the ground, his massive three-headed form unnervingly still, all his eyes focused on the forcefield. He seemed unwilling to look away, Beside him, Si had coiled into his serpent form, his silver-scaled body twisted on the ground with his head facing the forcefield. His eyes were narrowed, and his tongue flicked out in anticipation. "If only we could see how the fight is going," Balor muttered, frustration evident in his gruff voice. Zholga, with her serpentine eyes and sharp features, spoke up, catching the attention of the other n lords. "Anyway," she began, and the others turned to her, waiting to hear what she had to say. She hissed softly, her voice carrying a hint of suspicion. "Could it be that Lord Seojun is just another of Goddess Zyraena''s pawns? There''s no other way he could have ended up in the Abyss, right?" The other n lords exchanged nces, and some nodded thoughtfully. Kazrak scratched his chin. "Now that I think about it, you might be right," he said. "But this time, she''s thrown in a human that she''ll regret manipting." Nerathiel stood tall, his eyes gleaming with a dark thrill as he gazed at Seojun. Without a word, he lifted his sword high and then plunged it into the ground with a force that shook the entire battlefield. The earth cracked and shattered, and massive chunks of rock and debris exploded upward, rushing towards Seojun like a storm of stone. Seojun''s eyes widened. "Barrier!" he muttered, instinctively raising his hand. A shimmering shield of energy materialized around him just in time, deflecting the flying rocks. But before he could even catch his breath, a sense of danger prickled at the back of his neck. Suddenly, Nerathiel was behind him. With a swift and brutal motion, Nerathiel delivered a powerful kick to Seojun''s back. The impact was like a sledgehammer mming into him, sending him hurtling through the air. He flew several meters, the wind knocked out of him, and crashed hard against the ground. Pain shot through his body, but he forced himself to roll with the momentum. Using his scythe, he stabbed it into the ground to halt his tumble. He came to a stop, dropping to one knee and coughing up blood. His breathing was ragged, and his body ached all over. Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Battle with the Fallen God(2) With a swift and brutal motion, Nerathiel delivered a powerful kick to Seojun''s back. The impact was like a sledgehammer mming into him, sending him hurtling through the air. He flew several meters, the wind knocked out of him, and crashed hard against the ground. Pain shot through his body, but he forced himself to roll with the momentum. Using his scythe, he stabbed it into the ground to halt his tumble. He came to a stop, dropping to one knee and coughing up blood. His breathing was ragged, and his body ached all over. ''Goddess Zyraena''s blessing isn''t working'', he thought, wiping the blood from his lips. ''Damn, what''s going on?'' Nerathiel''s cold, mocking voice rang out across the barren battlefield. "You''re the only human able to survive my kick, You make me excited." he said, his tone a mix of amusement and disdain. He struggled to his feet, forcing his body to stand despite the pain radiating through him. Nerathiel smirked and dashed forward, closing the distance between them in an instant. Seojun barely had time to react, raising his scythe just in time to block Nerathiel''s sword. The force of the sh sent vibrations through his arms, and he could feel the sheer power radiating from Nerathiel''s strike. As their weapons locked, Seojun could see the excitement gleaming in Nerathiel''s eyes. He was enjoying this. "You''re not the first human that Zyraena has thrown into the Abyss, human," Nerathiel muttered, his voice low and filled with dark amusement. The words hit Seojun like a bolt of lightning. ''Not the first human?'' The shock of the revtion made him almost lose his focus, his grip on his scythe slipping slightly. Nerathiel''s smirk widened as he sensed Seojun''s momentary distraction. "Yes," he continued, his voice dripping with malice. "Many before you have been cast down here by her hand¡­ But none of them survived this long." Seojun gritted his teeth, tightening his grip on his scythe. ''Zyraena, I''ll make you pay'' He had to focus. He had to survive. The fallen god pushed forward with a burst of strength, forcing Seojun back. Seojun dug his heels into the ground, holding his ground with everything he had. His muscles strained against Nerathiel''s power, and he could feel the tension of the battle growing with every passing second. ''If I lose focus again, I''m done for,'' Seojun thought, his eyes locking onto Nerathiel''s. He could see the bloodlust, the pure thrill of battle burning within the fallen god''s gaze. Seojun quickly jumped back, putting distance between himself and Nerathiel. He needed space to think, to n his next move. He couldn''t let himself get cornered again. Nerathiel, however, remained calm. He stood tall with his sword piercing the ground, his dark aura still swirling around him like a living shadow. "Show me what you can do, human," Nerathiel said, his voice deep andmanding. Seojun frowned, his eyes narrowing. ''What is he nning?'' he thought. Nerathiel wasn''t attacking¡ªhe was waiting, as if testing him. Gripping his scythe tightly, Seojun focused his energy. The air around him began to change as he channeled his power into the weapon. He felt the familiar surge of strength flow through his arms, and his scythe started to glow with a dark, almost eerie light. "Let''s see how you handle this!" Seojun shouted. He swung his scythe with full force, activating one of his skills [Void sh]. A dark crescent-shaped wave of energy shot out from the de, slicing through the air toward Nerathiel at incredible speed. The ground beneath the wave cracked and split as it traveled, showing the power behind the attack. Nerathiel''s eyes gleamed with interest. Instead of dodging, he raised his sword, blocking the attack head-on. The [Void sh] collided with his sword, causing a burst of energy to explode outward. Dust and debris flew everywhere, but when the smoke cleared, Nerathiel stood unharmed, a dark grin on his face. "Not bad," Nerathiel said, his voice echoing in the deste field. "But you''ll have to do better than that." Seojun wasn''t finished yet. He rushed forward, closing the distance between them. As he moved, he activated another skill [Reaping Dance]. His scythe became a blur of motion, swinging around him in a deadly arc. Each swing left trails of dark energy in the air, creating a whirlwind of slicing power around him. He spun and shed at Nerathiel from different angles, attacking with a flurry of strikes. The ground beneath them shattered from the force of his movements. Seojun was pushing himself to his limits, each swing carrying the intent to cut down the fallen god. Nerathiel moved with grace, his sword deflecting each blow with precise, almost effortless movements. He was fast¡ªtoo fast. Seojun realized that even with this, Nerathiel was reading his moves like an open book. But Seojun wasn''t about to back down. He gritted his teeth and focused even harder, his eyes locked onto Nerathiel''s every move. He needed to find an opening, even a small one. Nerathielughed, a cold, chilling sound. "Good! Keep going, human! Show me your strength!" His eyes burned with a fierce light, enjoying the challenge. Seojun knew he had to keep pushing. He tightened his grip on his scythe, his mind racing. ''I need to find a way to break through his defenses... or I won''t make it out of here alive.'' With that thought, he prepared to unleash his next attack. The fight was far from over, and Seojun was determined to win. Before Seojun could unleash his next attack, Nerathiel moved like a blur. With a powerful swing of his sword, he knocked Seojun''s scythe out of his hands, sending it flying far away. Seojun barely had time to react before Nerathiel grabbed him by the cor, pulling him up close. Their faces were inches apart, and Seojun could feel the god''s cold, dark aura radiating off him. "Show me the skill you used to annihte the three demon lord, Human" Nerathiel demanded, his voice filled with a dangerous excitement. Seojun didn''t waste a second. He threw a punch straight at Nerathiel''s face, putting all his strength into it. Nerathiel caught his fist easily, but then his eyes widened, feeling a sudden shockwave run through his arm. Without a word, he jumped back, releasing Seojun. Seojun was surprised. ''The Bone Crushing skill had an effect on him?'' he thought. His punch had sent a tremor through Nerathiel''s arm, something he hadn''t expected. Nerathiel nced at his hand, which was trembling slightly. But within moments, he waved it, and the tremble stopped. His grin grew wider, his eyes shining with an even more intense excitement. "Interesting," he muttered. "Show it to me, human!" Nerathiel suddenly shouted, his voice booming across the field. "Hahaha! Do it!" Seojun took a deep breath, calming his nerves. He knew he had to be careful, but he also had to go all out if he wanted a chance at defeating this fallen god. He raised his hands to the sky, focusing his energy. Dark mes began to form above him, swirling and growingrger with each passing second. The mes grew bigger and darker, casting an ominous light across the barrennd. Nerathiel''s eyes lit up with a crazed delight. "That''s it!" he screamed like a madman. "Give it to me! Show me everything you''ve got, Human!" Seojun felt the heat of the dark mes swirling above him, growingrger and more intense. With a fierce shout, Seojun yelled, "Hellshadow Fire!" He pointed his hands directly at Nerathiel, aiming the massive dark mes toward him. The mes surged forward like a raging wave, darkening the sky as they rushed toward their target. The ground beneath them cracked and burned from the sheer heat and energy. The air itself seemed to tremble from the force of the attack. Nerathiel''s eyes widened in wild excitement as the mes came closer. His grin stretched even wider, almost like a man possessed. "Yes! That''s it!" he shouted, his voice filled with a twisted joy. "Give it to me, human! Show me your power!" Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Battle (3) Seojun watched as the Hellshadow Fire barreled toward Nerathiel, knowing that this attack could be the deciding moment. He poured all his energy into the mes, determined to see this through. Nerathiel didn''t even try to dodge the iing [Hellshadow Fire]. Instead, he stood his ground and faced the oing dark mes head-on. Seojun frowned, his instincts screaming that something was off. He quickly muttered, "Barrier!" and a protective shield formed around him. The [Hellshadow Fire] crashed into Nerathiel with a thunderous explosion. The ground shook violently, and a massive crater formed in the earth, sending a wave of dust and smoke billowing into the sky. Seojun held his breath, waiting for the dust to clear, his eyes narrowed with focus. As the smoke began to settle, Seojun squinted to see through the haze. ''Is he dead?'' he thought, hoping his powerful attack had done the job. But just as he began to lower his guard, he felt a sudden presence above him. His instincts kicked in, and he swung his scythe upward just in time to block a powerful strike. It was Nerathiel. He had survived. "You survived that?" Seojun grunted, feeling the weight of Nerathiel''s sword pressing down on him. "Damn it! He''s a god, after all!" The force of Nerathiel''s attack pushed him down, his feet digging deep into the ground until he started sinking into the earth beneath him. Nerathiel hovered above, his expression twisted into a psychotic grin. "Show me more, human! More!" he muttered with a crazed excitement. "You probably have more tricks up your sleeves!" Heughed, the sound echoing through the barrenndscape as if he was enjoying every moment of this brutal fight. Seojun struggled to hold his ground, feeling the overwhelming force from above. Then he noticed something¡ªNerathiel had lost his right arm. A small spark of hope ignited in his chest. The [Hellshadow Fire] did some damage after all,'' he thought. With the pressure bearing down on him, Seojun decided to make his next move. He focused his energy into his scythe, activating a skill that unleashed a thick, poisonous smoke. [Venomous Wraith] The smoke billowed out in all directions, surrounding them both in a choking cloud. Nerathiel immediately sensed the danger and leaped back, clearing himself from the toxic fumes. Seojun took this chance to break free from the sinking ground, gasping for breath. "Where did you get this Human, Zyraena. I should visit to thank you for Throwing this human here" Nerathiel muttered. Seojun stood there, his body covered in sweat, breathing heavily from the tough fight. He felt the weight of the battle, but he wasn''t ready to give up. Clenching his teeth, he muttered, "You want more? Then survive this." He lifted his hand high, focusing on the dark energy inside him, and began to chant, "Cursed Emberstorm." His voice echoed with power, filled with the curse''s dark magic. At first, nothing happened. Everything was still, with only a few embers crackling in the air from their previous attacks. Seojun''s eyes narrowed, and he quickly cast a Barrier around himself, ready for what was toe. Nerathiel stood across from him, holding his sword, watching with a smirk. He looked up at the sky and then back at Seojun, his grin mocking. "Is that all?" he taunted. "You call that a skill? Nothing''s happening, human! Are you out of tricks?" Heughed, his voice full of contempt. But Seojun didn''t react. He kept his eyes on Nerathiel, waiting patiently. *Just wait for it,* he thought, his heart calm despite the tension. Suddenly, the air above them began to shimmer and change. The sky darkened like an eclipse was happening, and the temperature dropped. Nerathiel''sughter stopped as he looked up, now suspicious. High above, dark embers started to form in the sky, glowing like the mes of restless spirits. Slowly, they began to fall, like ashes drifting down. But within seconds, the embers turned into a violent storm, crashing down like fiery needles. Seojun''s eyes shined with determination. "There it is," he whispered as the Cursed Emberstorm unleashed its full power. Nerathiel''s face changed from mocking to serious focus. "So, you had something left ha!" he shouted, both angry and excited. The embers rained down, each one carrying a deadly curse that could burn through anything. The ground burned and cracked under the heat of the storm, and the air itself seemed to be on fire. The [Cursed Emberstorm] crashed down from the sky with terrifying force. Each cursed ember exploded as it hit the ground, sending waves of dust and shock in all directions. The ground around Nerathiel shattered, breaking apart under the powerful attack. Nerathiel stood in the center of it all, his eyes wide with excitement. The embers struck him like small meteors, each one bursting with dark mes around him. Instead of dodging, he stayed right where he was,ughing like a maniac. The force of the attack sent out a huge shockwave, shaking the ground and creating a deep crater that spread wider and deeper. Seojun stood back, protected by his Barrier watching as the destruction unfolded. He could feel the power of his own attack¡ªit was much stronger than he remembered. "This is more powerful than the first time I used this skill," he thought. The cursed energy was wild, almost like it was feeding on his emotions. The dust and smoke filled the air, making it hard to see. The embers continued to rain down, tearing the ground apart. Seojun focused on the center of the storm, where Nerathiel was standing. He couldn''t see clearly through the chaos, but he knew the fallen god was still there, taking the full force of the attack. The ground around Nerathiel broke even more, forming a deep crater. Seojun could feel the cursed mes trying to burn everything around them. His heart pounded. If this didn''t work, he would have to find another way. As the storm started to calm down, the embers slowly stopped falling, leaving the battlefield covered in ash and dark mes. The air was still thick with dust and smoke. Seojun held his scythe tightly, ready for anything. Then, from the middle of the crater, he saw something moving. Nerathiel was still standing, but only half of him remained. His upper body waspletely gone, leaving only his lower half standing there. The sight was so strange that Seojun couldn''t help but lower his guard slightly, thinking the fight might be over. Chapter 58: Chapter 58: Physical Strength Seojun approached the center of the crater, where Nerathiel''s lower body remained. His eyes widened in shock as he saw the lower half of Nerathiel starting to regenerate. The flesh and muscle seemed to grow back instantly, reassembling into aplete form. ''He can regenerate?!'' Seojun thought, feeling a cold sweat run down his back. ''Is he immortal?'' Realizing the danger, Seojun immediately backed away, trying to put distance between himself and Nerathiel. But before he could move far, he felt a sudden sharp pain. He looked down in horror and saw his left arm falling to the ground. "What¡ª" Seojun gasped, his eyes wide in disbelief. Before he could react further, he felt a crushing blow to his stomach. The impact sent him flying through the air, and he tumbled and rolled on the ground. Hended heavily, his body aching all over. Seojun bit his lip, trying to suppress a cry of pain. His scythe ttered beside him, and he grabbed it, using it to stop his rolling and stabilize himself. He looked at his left arm, still bleeding profusely, and felt a wave of panic. ''I might die from blood loss,'' he thought, his heart racing. The pain was intense, and the realization that he was seriously injured hit him hard. He forced himself to his feet, despite the pain and blood loss. He couldn''t let his guard down now. Seojun knew he had to hide. The pain was overwhelming, and the blood loss was making him weak. He tried to run, focusing on stopping the bleeding from his severed arm. His thoughts raced as he stumbled away, looking for any way to escape. Just as he was about to get some distance, Nerathiel appeared in front of him, blocking his path with his sword raised high. Seojun''s heart skipped a beat. He was barely able to react. Instinctively, Seojun twisted his body to the side, demonstrating impressive skills to avoid the sword strike. He ducked and rolled, narrowly escaping the de''s deadly arc. While moving, he ripped a piece of his shirt and used it to tie his severed arm, trying to stem the bleeding. Nerathiel watched with fascination. His eyes widened in surprise. "Not only are your mana and magic skills impressive," he said, his voice filled with awe, "but you seem to be physically skilled too." Seojun gritted his teeth, trying to ignore the pain. He knew he had to stay focused. Even though he was injured and bleeding, he had to find a way to fight back or escape. Nerathiel''s admiration was unsettling. Seojun stumbled back, his breath ragged and pained. As he tried to regain his footing, Nerathiel casually threw his scythe away, sending it skidding across the ground. "Show me more of your physical strength," Nerathiel taunted, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Show me what you''re truly capable of!" Seojun gritted his teeth, fighting through the pain and blood loss. He knew he had to push himself beyond his limits. Nerathiel threw his sword to the ground, signaling that this would be a test of physical skill rather than magic. Seojun took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay sharp. As Nerathiel charged, Seojun reacted with a series of detailed, precise moves. Nerathiel lunged with a powerful swing, aiming to catch Seojun off guard. Seojun quickly lifted his leg, bringing the ball of his foot up toward Nerathiel''s midsection. He extended his leg forcefully, striking Nerathiel in the stomach. The impact was firm, pushing Nerathiel backward and creating a brief opening for Seojun. As Nerathiel stumbled and charged again, Seojun executed a high kick. He raised his leg straight up, keeping it close to his body for a moment before extending it outward with a snapping motion. The kick aimed for Nerathiel''s shoulder, connecting with precision and making Nerathiel wince. Seojun followed up with a spinning back kick. He pivoted on one foot, using his hips to generate power. As he spun, he extended his other leg in a powerful, circr motion. The heel of his foot struck Nerathiel''s side with a solid impact. Nerathiel, trying to close the distance, reached for Seojun''s arm. Seojun responded by performing a smooth redirection. He used Nerathiel''s forward momentum against him, guiding Nerathiel''s grip away while stepping to the side. As Nerathiel lost bnce, Seojun swiftly followed with an elbow strike to Nerathiel''s face, making him stagger. With Nerathiel momentarily disoriented, Seojun used his right elbow to strike Nerathiel''s jaw. He aimed his elbow at an angle, striking with the point of the elbow for maximum impact. The hit connected with a solid thud, causing Nerathiel to stagger backward. As Nerathiel tried to regain his bnce, Seojun executed a side kick with his right leg. He lifted his leg to the side, keeping it straight and powerful. The edge of his foot hit Nerathiel''s ribs with strong, outward force. The kick pushed Nerathiel to the ground, creating a small crater around him. Seojun, breathless and weary, prepared himself for another attack. Heunched a powerful kick, hoping to gain the upper hand. But suddenly, Nerathiel''s hand shot out and caught Seojun''s leg mid-air. Nerathiel''s eyes gleamed with amusement as he smirked. "Amazing moves," he said, his voice echoing with satisfaction. "Now it''s my turn." With a swift motion, Nerathiel used Seojun''s captured leg to his advantage. He twisted Seojun''s leg and then executed a kick identical to Seojun''s previous high kick. The move was precise and powerful, a perfect mimicry of Seojun''s technique. Nerathiel''s kick connected with Seojun''s torso, sending him hurtling through the air. Seojun was thrown violently, crashing into the ground with a painful thud. He rolled across the dirt, struggling to regain his footing. Seojun gritted his teeth as hey on the ground, his mind racing. ''He copied me! Damn it, he let me hit him just to use my own move against me.'' He pushed himself up with his right arm, fighting through the pain. Nerathiel, watching with a malicious grin, approached with confident strides. "You''re impressive, human. But don''t think you can outdo me so easily." Seojun, barely able to stand, tried to block out the pain. Chapter 59: Chapter 59: The Phantoms Nerathiel, with a cold smirk, picked up his sword and brandished it menacingly. "Let''s end this, shall we?" he muttered, his voice carrying a dangerous edge. Seojun, barely able to stand, felt a surge of panic. ''Shit! What do I do now?!'' His legs trembled as he tried to rise, but his strength was failing him. "I doubt that you have other tricks up your sleeves, Human" Nerathiel smirk. Seojun''s mind raced. He needed a way to turn the tide of the battle. In his haze of pain and exhaustion, he remembered something crucial. ''How can I summon the souls I''ve harvested?!'' He struggled to stay on his feet but copsed to the ground, barely conscious. Nerathiel, sensing victory, loomed closer, preparing to deliver the final blow. Panic surged through Seojun. ''Fuck! What should I do?'' Seojun closed his eyes and shouted, "Rise, phantoms!" He wasn''t entirely sure why he shouted it. To his astonishment, the air around him crackled with energy. When he opened his eyes, he saw countless ghostly figures swirling around Nerathiel. The phantoms, drawn from the souls Seojun had collected, began dragging Nerathiel upward into the sky. Nerathiel struggled against the spectral force, but the phantoms overwhelmed him, pulling him further and further away. Seojun, gasping for breath, sighed with relief. "I have to heal this before he escapes from the phantoms!" He focused on his injured arm and ced his palm over the severed limb. A green light emanated from his hand, enveloping his arm. To his astonishment, the cut began to regenerate before his eyes. What had started as an attempt to stop the bleeding turned into a full regeneration. ''This is amazing!'' Seojun thought, his mind racing. ''I remember Yggrith''s reward involved the evolution of my basic healing skills. It''s regenerating my arm.'' He stood up, though unsteadily, and spotted Nerathiel''s sword lying on the ground. Seojun stumbled towards it, determined to use it to his advantage. When he finally managed to pick up the sword, he nearly fell again. The weapon was incredibly heavy. Seojun''s hands shook as he gripped the sword, struggling to keep his bnce. ''This is going to be challenging,'' he thought, his resolve hardening. ''But I have to make it work. I need every advantage I can get.'' Seojun tightened his grip on the now lighter sword, a mix of relief and curiosity flooding his mind. He muttered to himself, reflecting on the implications of his recent discovery. "I''ve got an infinite system," he said quietly, almost in awe. "System said that I can learn anything and everything. That means if I apply this concept¡ªusing my healing skill to modify physical properties¡ªI could potentially extend it to more than just healing." Seojun took a deep breath, his thoughts racing with the possibilities of his infinite system. "If I can manipte the molecr structure of the sword," he muttered Focusing intently, Seojun closed his eyes for a moment and concentrated on channeling his healing energy into the sword. He visualized the molecr bonds of the sword shifting, bing less dense. His hands trembled slightly as he poured more of his energy into the process. Slowly, he felt the sword growing lighter in his grip. He opened his eyes and looked at the weapon, amazed. The sword, which had been unwieldy and heavy before, now felt almost weightless. "This is incredible, I''m actually making it lighter! My system really does let me learn and adapt like this." New skill Acquired [Gravitational Control] He continued focusing unaware of the new skill notif, adjusting the energy flow and further reducing the sword''s weight. As he did, he felt the sword bing easier to maneuver, its bnce perfectly aligned with his new physical condition. Seojun tested a few swings, finding the sword now incredibly agile. Nerathiel thrashed in the air, his form surrounded by the swirling masses of trapped demon souls. His confusion was evident as he tried to break free from their grip. "This mere human... necromancy? How is he capable of this? How much mana does he possess? Zyraena! you''re trying to manipte such human?!" Nerathiel''s voice roared in frustration as he struggled against the relentless pull of the phantoms. The demon lords, sensing an opportunity,unched coordinated attacks from below. Their energy sts and demonic strikes added to the chaos, making it even more challenging for Nerathiel to maintain control. Seojun, looking up from where he stood, saw the phantoms moving with increasing speed. "Looks like calling the phantoms takes time," he thought. He saw the three demon lords attacking Nerathiel, theirbined efforts pushing him further into the air. As Nerathiel was about to unleash a powerful attack, the phantoms suddenly started to fall, their forms dissolving and being absorbed into Seojun''s body. Seojun realized, "Looks like the phantoms had a countdown timer." Nerathiel''s eyes widened in shock when he saw Seojun now holding his sword. "How is he holding my sword?" Nerathiel thought, stunned then he smirk and added "He regenerated his arm" Seojun didn''t waste any time. He gathered his strength, jumped high into the air, and used his Wind Step skill. The wind swept him up swiftly, carrying him high above the battlefield. Nerathiel quickly pulled out another sword, his movements precise and fast. He soared into the air to meet Seojun, their eyes locked in fierce determination. The fight moved into the sky. Seojun, holding Nerathiel''s sword with one hand, and his own sword in the other, was ready for the aerial battle. Nerathiel swung his new sword with powerful, sweeping arcs, aiming to strike Seojun. Seojun ducked and rolled mid-air, narrowly avoiding the deadly blows. He spun around, using his agility to dodge Nerathiel''s attacks. With a swift motion, Seojun shed diagonally with Nerathiel''s sword, forcing the fallen god to block with his own sword. Nerathiel gritted his teeth, clearly enjoying the challenge. He countered with a fast, downward strike. Seojun twisted in the air, his own sword meeting Nerathiel''s in a sh of steel. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the sky. Seojun took advantage of the momentum, spinning around and delivering a powerful kick to Nerathiel''s side. Nerathiel grunted, barely managing to stay in the air. He retaliated with a quick thrust, aiming for Seojun''s chest. Seojun angled his body, catching the attack on his sword and deflecting it. As they fought, Seojun and Nerathiel exchanged rapid blows, each strike creating shes of light in the dark sky. Seojun used his agility to dodge Nerathiel''s heavy strikes and countered with precise, calcted moves. Nerathiel, though initially surprised, began to adapt to Seojun''s tactics. He started using moreplexbinations, trying to overwhelm Seojun. However, Seojun''s quick reflexes and expert swordy allowed him to keep up. The battle raged on high above the ground, their movements a blur of motion and power. Chapter 60: Chapter 60: A Mystery Outside the forcefield, Huno spoke into his mind, "How''s Master? Father?" A hologram appeared before Huno, showing Seojun''s vital signs. The readings were unstable, and Huno''s eyes widened in worry. "Master is in critical condition." Inside the forcefield, Seojun was barely holding on. He copsed to the ground, rolling away just in time to dodge Nerathiel''s sword thrust. His clothes were stained with blood, and his breathing wasbored. His stomach was injured, and every movement sent sharp pains through his body. Nerathiel''s sword had embedded itself in the ground where Seojun had been moments before. Seojun struggled to his feet, using the sword as support. He could barely stand, his body trembling with exhaustion. ''My body can''t keep up anymore,'' he thought, trying to push through the pain. Nerathiel, watching Seojun with an intrigued expression, spoke, "Your swordsmanship is impressive. Who taught you?" Seojun, catching his breath, replied, "I learned it myself." Nerathiel''s eyes widened slightly, and he muttered, "Ohhh, amazing." Seojun''s thoughts raced. ''System, give me books to learn these skills. I really did everything to master them.'' But then Nerathiel''s voice broke his concentration. "But..." Seojun looked up sharply. "You still can''t defeat a god," Nerathiel said, vanishing from sight. Seojun sensed movement behind him and reacted instinctively, blocking a sudden attack. He was sent flying, crashing to the ground and rolling. The sword was knocked out of his hand, and hended in a crater, his vision blurring and his entire body aching. Nerathiel appeared beside him, his presence menacing. "Tsk tsk tsk, what a waste," he said, raising his sword high. Seojun struggled to speak, his voice weak and strained. "N-no... I can''t die." "Give me reasons why I should not kill you, human," Nerathiel demanded. Seojun, fighting to stay conscious, stammered, "You''ll regret it." Nerathiel smirked, his expression cold and detached. "I don''t think so," he said, raising his sword for the final blow. With a swift, powerful motion, he brought the de down toward Seojun''s vulnerable form. Seojun closed his eyes, bracing for the impact ''I''m sorry Mom'' The sword descended with terrifying speed, its edge gleaming in the dim light of the forcefield. Seojun''s eyes fluttered open, but he felt a numbing cold as the de pierced through his stomach. The pain was immediate and overwhelming, a searing sensation that radiated from the wound. "Ugh!" Seojun gasped, his body arching from the impact. The sword had impaled him deeply, and the blood flowed freely from the wound. His vision blurred, and he struggled to stay conscious. "You fought well, human," Nerathiel said, his voice distant as though he were speaking from a great distance. Seojun''s breaths became shallow and ragged. He tried to clutch at the sword, but his strength was failing him. The world around him seemed to spin, and he felt himself slipping away from reality. His thoughts were fragmented and disjointed, a swirl of pain and confusion.'' I... I can''t stay conscious... I can''t...'' As the darkness closed in on him, Seojun''s vision darkened, and his body went limp. Thest thing he saw was Nerathiel''s cold, indifferent face before everything faded to ck. His consciousness began to ebb away, and he lost all sense of his surroundings. Later on, Seojun''s eyes opened slowly, the worlding back into focus. He blinked, his body heavy and aching, but he felt no more pain from the fatal wound that Nerathiel had inflicted. Thest thing he remembered was the intense fight, and Nerathiel''s cold gaze as his sword plunged through his stomach. But now¡­ he was lying on soft ground, and the suffocating energy of the forcefield was gone. As he stirred, the faint sound of pping reached his ears. He sat up, confused, ncing around. The forcefield had vanished, and around him stood the n Lords, demons, and others, their eyes fixed on him with expressions of awe and pride. Before Seojun could process what was happening, Mra rushed forward, pulling him into a tight hug. Her voice was filled with relief. "My lord! You did it! You''re alive!" Seojun was still dazed, but he weakly returned the hug, ncing around. ''I''m alive?'' Si and Huno, in their smaller forms, approached him next. Their joy was clear as they rubbed against him¡ªSi nuzzling his cheek and Huno circling him protectively and barking. Mra, still holding him, smiled down at him. "You defeated God Nerathiel. You''re amazing my lord! how did you do that?" Seojun blinked in confusion, his mind racing. I¡­ defeated Nerathiel? He didn''t remembernding a finishing blow or doing anything that should have led to victory. How? Before he could say anything, the low, steady sound of apuse grew louder. The n Lords, demons, and everyone else who had witnessed the battle were now pping, their voices rising in celebration. "Lord Seojun, congrattions!" Zholga called out with a wide grin. "You''ve done the impossible!" The pping continued, and even the demons, Ding! [Quest Completed: Defeat The Fallen Deity Nerathiel] Congrattions Host! You have sessfully defeated Nerathiel. You can now leave this domain. Rewards: Title [God-yer], Skill [God''s Resolve], 1,000,000 Coins, and Special Item: [Fragment of Divinity] Seojun stared at the notification, his mind nk for a moment. ''I¡­ defeated him? But the how? System can''t interfere¡­ How did I do it?'' He nced down at his hands, trying to make sense of it all. The victory didn''t feel real, and yet, here he was. As Seojun stood among the cheering crowd, still trying to make sense of everything, he felt a nudge at his side. Huno, barked softly, all three heads looking up at him with an unspoken message. Seojun blinked in confusion, but Huno''s middle head nudged him again, this time more insistently. "Huno... what is it?" Seojun asked. Instead, Huno lowered himself to the ground and gestured with his heads, clearly asking Seojun to sit on his back. Mra, standing beside him, caught on and smiled gently. "It seems like Lord Huno wants you to rest, My Lord. Let me help you." She reached out, supporting Seojun''s arm and guiding him carefully onto Huno''s back. Once Seojun was seated, Huno barked again, this time louder, and began to grow. Seojun had to steady himself as Huno increased in size until he was massive, like a giant war beast. The moment Huno stood to his full height, a roar of voices erupted from the onlookers. The Bino demons, with their dark horns and sleek ck bodies, raised their fists in the air, chanting, "Lord Seojun! Lord Seojun!" Their deep voices echoed throughout the battlefield, and soon after, the pig-like demons joined in, their rough, guttural voices adding to the cacophony. "Lord Seojun! Lord Seojun! Lord Seojun!" Seojun sat atop Huno, watching in awe as the entire crowd seemed to be celebrating him. . But amidst the chanting and cheering, the n Lords were having a quieter, more serious conversation amongst themselves. Zholga, the tallest of the lords with her silver-hued scales, crossed her arms and spoke first. "Impressive¡­ but how did he manage to defeat Nerathiel?" she murmured, her golden eyes narrowing in thought. Kazrak muttered "No one knows" Sorgar, his red eyes glinting in the fading light, muttered to himself, "Nerathiel will resurrect again¡­ as he always does. We should tell Lord Seojun." Vrok nodded, his stone-gray skin catching the light. "A victory over Nerathiel is no small feat. He rarely acknowledges anyone¡ªespecially a human. If Nerathiel respects him, this will be history. The first human ever to earn Nerathiel''s recognition." Balor spoke, broke the somber atmosphere with an unexpected grin. "Enough with the worrying. We should celebrate! A victory like this deserves a feast!" He pped his dark wings, preparing to leave. "I''ll call my servants and have them prepare a grand celebration in my territory!" With that, Balor shot into the sky, his form vanishing into the distance. Kazrak chuckled, shaking his head. "Leave it to Balor to turn everything into a party," he rumbled, though a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Chapter 61: Chapter 61: First Lost The whole day had been a blur of celebration. The demons cheered, the n Lords feasted, and Balor''s servants had filled the air with music andughter. But Seojun? He sat alone in the quiet of his house, staring into the dimly lit space. He had barely touched the food that was delivered to him, too lost in thought to enjoy the festivities. The chants of "Lord Seojun" still echoed in his ears, yet the question that gnawed at him wouldn''t let go: How did I defeat Nerathiel? He sighed deeply and sat up from his resting position, rubbing his face with his hands. His body still ached from the battle, the sensation of Nerathiel''s de piercing through his stomach fresh in his memory. He shook his head, unable to push the thought away. I should''ve died, he thought grimly. I was too weak... too injured. When his final blow struck me, I lost consciousness. That should have been the end... but I''m still here. Seojun closed his eyes, calling for his system. [You seem to be troubled, host. What''s wrong? Aren''t you happy?] Seojun sighed again, leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. "I don''t know how I defeated Nerathiel," he admitted, his voice low. "I was at the brink of death. I felt it. His sword pierced me, and everything went dark. I should have died." The holographic figure of the system remained silent for a moment, processing his words before replying. [Do you want to look at your memories, host? And see what really happened?] Seojun''s eyes snapped up to the system, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Is that¡­ possible?" [Of course, host,] the system responded [When you were on Earth, we could view the memories of animals. With a little maniption, we can do the same for you.] Seojun sat up straighter, his expression hardening. He had to know. He couldn''t keep living with this uncertainty hanging over him. "Then let''s see it," he said firmly. His voice left no room for hesitation. The system emitted a small chime, and a notification appeared in front of Seojun. [New Skill Unlocked: Memory Recollection] Seojun took a deep breath, preparing himself for what was toe. "Show me everything," he said. The hologram flickered to life, showing Seojun lying weak and injured in the crater, his body battered and bloodied. Nerathiel stood over him, his sword piercing Seojun''s stomach. Seojun''s eyes widened as he saw the scene unfold. "See? I died!" he eximed, horrified by the sight of his own vulnerable form. Before he could react further, a powerful explosion of energy erupted from the crater. The smoke obscured everything, and the ground trembled with the force of the st. Nerathiel''s face twisted in shock as his ck wings unfurled, allowing him to fly into the air, clearly disturbed by the sudden surge of power. "What happened?!" Seojun muttered in disbelief, watching the chaos unfold on the screen. As the smoke began to clear, Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. His own body, or something resembling him, emerged from the smoke. This figure had glowing red eyes and emanated an aura of intense power. [I think I know what happened, Host.] Before Seojun could react, his other self leapt into action, the scythe swinging with incredible speed and precision. In one fluid motion, Seojun unleashed a barrage of devastating skills, starting with Hellshadow Fire. Dark mes erupted from his body, engulfing the battlefield and forcing Nerathiel to scramble back. The mes crackled with power, casting ominous shadows across the ground, but Seojun pressed on, his scythe cleaving through the air with lethal force. Nerathiel retaliated, swinging his sword and summoning bolts of dark energy, but it was no use. Seojun activated Cursed Emberstorm, sending fiery embers spiraling from the ground, each one igniting on contact with Nerathiel. The embers swirled in a vicious storm around the fallen god, cutting off his escape and eating away at his defenses. With every swing of the scythe, Seojun''s attacks grew stronger, each strike cutting deeper into the ground. The raw force behind his blows was unimaginable, and Nerathiel barely managed to dodge the attack that nearly split the ground beneath him. "How can a human be this strong?" Nerathiel thought, his confidence crumbling as he struggled to avoid Seojun''s relentless onught. Seojun then unleashed Soulfire, a dark and malevolent energy that burned from within. The ck mestched onto Nerathiel, draining his strength and weakening his already fading regeneration. Desperation filled Nerathiel''s eyes as he realized his usual healing abilities were useless against the cursed mes that Seojun had summoned. The intensity of the battle reached its peak as Seojun''s scythe cut through Nerathiel''s final defense, sending shockwaves through the ground. The sheer force of the attack left Nerathiel staggering, unable to keep up with Seojun''s raw speed and power. The souls Seojun had collected in battle swirled around him, amplifying the strength of each strike, while Nerathiel''s attempts to escape were futile. "IMPOSIBL- !" With a final, decisive swing, Seojun''s scythe connected. Nerathiel''s defenses shatteredpletely, and the Fallen god crashed to the ground, his body broken and defeated. The dark energy around Seojun faded, leaving only silence as the battle came to an end. The scene faded, and Seojun found himself staring at the now-nk screen, his mind still processing the incredible power he had just wielded. [A Skill is activated akin to a Second life, Host.] Seojun absorbed the information, his heart still racing. "A second life?" [Correct. This ability triggered when you were critically injured, allowing you to fight with immense power until the threat was eliminated.] He sat in stunned silence, grappling with the revtion. "If not for this skill... I would''ve died, right?" His voice wavered, frustration bubbling up as he continued, "And still... I lost." It was the first time Seojun truly tasted defeat. The weight of it was suffocating. [Host, you did a good job. Don''t forget, your opponent was a Fallen God. Lasting as long as you did against such a being is already remarkable. This is your first loss, but it was not in vain. You''ve gained experience and strength from it.] The system paused, then added reassuringly, [Even the greatest fall before they rise again.] Seojun took a deep breath, letting it sink in. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but he couldn''t deny the truth. He had been up against a Fallen God, a being far beyond anything he had encountered before. Slowly, he nodded to himself. "I lost... but not for nothing." He epted his defeat¡ªnot as a failure, but as a stepping stone. Seojun clenched his fists. "I''ll rise stronger next time." [That''s the spirit, Host. That''s how you should face a loss¡ªwith resilience.] Seojun felt a sense of calm wash over him. The system''sfort was strange, but somehow, it always knew the right thing to say. [Anyway Host, When I was reviewing the events, I discovered that this skill was granted to you as a result of saving Yggrith. It seems that this special ability was bestowed upon you during that time.] Seojun''s eyes widened as he processed the new information. "A new skill? That didn''t show up when I checked what I got after saving Yggrith." [Yes, Host. I muted the skill to understand more about it.] Seojun then asked, "This skill should have some effect on me, right?" [Yes, Host. The effects should have urred after you got out of the forcefield. However, I immediately blocked the effect to prevent any harm to you. The effect would have been a significant reduction in your lifespan.] Seojun breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s good. Thank you, System." [You''re wee, Host. Now, here are the details about the skill.] A notification appeared: Skill Name: Eternal Resilience Description: This skill activates when the user''s health drops to 1%, unleashing their full potential and granting immense power to ovee dire situations. The activation of Eternal Resilience requires an immense amount of mana However, this poweres with a significant cost, as it can reduce the user''s lifespan by half. Seojuny down, He looked up at the ceiling, reflecting on the intense battle. "Let''s avoid making my health drop to 1% again, System. I''m never going to use this skill again." [As you wish, Host.] Seojun then shifted his focus. "Let''s check my rewards from Nerathiel''s defeat." Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Why is she beside me?! [Mission Completed: Defeat the Fallen Deity Nerathiel] Description: As the god of his domain, Nerathiel could not leave the area of his influence, and even his soul would eventually resurrect after death. Seojun read the description with a mix of apprehension and determination. He realized they would likely face Nerathiel again in the future. "So, we''ll be fighting him again?" [Don''t worry, Host. Nerathiel will acknowledge you and ept his defeat. He will visit youter.] Seojun sighed in relief. He turned his attention to the rewards. Rewards: - Title: God-yer Grants the bearer the prestigious title of having defeated a deity. This title offers enhanced respect and recognition from both allies and enemies. - Skill: God''s Resolve A skill that increases the user''s resilience andbat abilities when facing divine or god-like adversaries. It also bolsters the user''s mental fortitude, allowing them to withstand extreme stress and pressure. - 1,000,000 Coins A substantial mary reward for defeating a powerful entity. - Special Item: Fragment of Divinity A rare and powerful item containing a shard of divine essence. It can be used to enhance abilities, forge powerful artifacts, or gain insight into divine matters. The title and skill were impressive, and the coins would be useful someday. The Fragment of Divinity intrigued him, promising further opportunities for growth and power. Seojun nodded and stood up, feeling a mix of determination and fatigue. "I should get out of here since I''ll be leaving this area tomorrow." [Please stay for a while, Host. Let me handle the preparations, especially since you''re their n Lord.] Seojun raised an eyebrow, curious. "Will it take time?" [Don''t worry, Host. I''ll handle this quickly. It will not take a week.] Satisfied with the response, Seojun nodded and made his way outside. The celebration was in full swing, with demons and n lords mingling and enjoying the festivities. Music andughter filled the air, and the atmosphere was vibrant and lively. As he walked through the crowd, Mra approached him with a goblet filled with a shimmering, fruit-colored liquid. "Lord Seojun," Mra said, offering him the drink. "Try this. It''s a special treat for the asion." Seojun took the goblet and looked at the liquid with curiosity. "What is this?" [It''s simr to wine or liquor from Earth, Host.] The system''s voice responded. He turned to Mra. "Where did thise from? It smells intriguing." Mra smiled. "It''s Zarath. It''s made from a rare fruit called Zar, known for its unique taste. This particr drinks is rare and only God Nerathiel allowed to drink. He gifted this to you My lord." Seojun''s eyes widened in surprise. "Nerathiel came?" "Yes, my lord," Mra confirmed. "He gave it as a gift, He said that he will be back tomorrow." Seojun absorbed this information, realizing that Nerathiel''s gift was part of his acknowledgment. He took a sip of the Zarath, and the sweet, tangy vor spread across his tongue. It was smooth and pleasant, far better than he expected. "This is really good," Seojun said, nodding appreciatively. Mra''s smile widened. "I''m d you like it. It''s rare and special, My lord." As Seojun continued to enjoy the wine, the effects began to make him feel more rxed and jovial. He embraced the celebratory atmosphere, savoring the rare opportunity to let loose and have fun amidst the festivities. Before long, the effects of the wine took hold. Seojun felt a warm, pleasant buzz spread through him. The wine was stronger for him especially that it''s the first time he will drink liqour and he found himself growing increasingly tipsy. The system, recognizing the need for Seojun to rest and enjoy himself, refrained from activating any resistance or monitoring. Seojunughed and mingled with the crowd, reveling in the joyous atmosphere. The wine had a strong effect, and he soon felt the pleasant haze of intoxication, making him more rxed and carefree than he had been in a long time. As he danced and celebrated with the demons, he let himself fully embrace the moment, enjoying the break from his usual intense focus and responsibilities. The celebrations continued around him, and for the first time in a long while, Seojun allowed himself to simply have fun. The morning sun filtered through the curtains as Seojun slowly woke up, his head throbbing painfully. [Good morning, Host.] Seojun squinted at the system disy and winced. "Yeah, good morning. Ah, my head hurts. So this is what happens when you get drunk?" [Yes, Host.] He threw off the nket and quickly looked down at himself, eyes widening in shock. startled by the sight of Mra lying beside him. "What happened?! Why is she beside me?! And why am I shirtless?!" He instinctively hugged his body, feeling the rush of embarrassment. [Don''t jump to conclusions, Host. Nothing happened. You told her you''d be leaving soon, so she insisted on staying beside you. Besides, Huno and Si are also with you.] Seojun nced and On the other side of the bed, Hunoy curled up in his adult size, while Si, in his snake form, was coiledfortably on top of Huno. Seeing them there, Seojun sighed in relief. "I don''t want to get drunk again. I get drunk too fast and don''t remember what happened." [That''s understandable, Host. You were weak in liqour. Do you want to see what embarrassing things you did?] Seojun scratched his cheek, blushing and mention his friend in earth. "What did I do? I hope it wasn''t something as stupid as what Alex did." [Alex tried to give hugs and kisses anyone in his sight instead of you doing something like that, Host you--] "No! Stop, System! Just forget about that!" Seojun interrupted, his face turning even redder. He quickly got out of bed and spotted his shirt on the floor. After pulling it on, he felt a bit moreposed. The day after Seojun''s drunken mishap, he was surprised by an unexpected visit. Nerathiel, the fallen deity and embodiment of Wrath, came to see him. Seojun had anticipated tension, but Nerathiel''s demeanor was calm, though the underlying intensity was ever-present. Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Farewell "You''ve earned my respect, Seojun. Your strength and resilience¡­ It shows you''re worthy of standing among the greatest in this realm." Seojun nodded, still a bit surprised by thepliment. "Thank you. I''m d to have your respect." Nerathiel gave a rare smile and ced his arm over Seojun''s shoulder in a friendly gesture. "I look forward to our next fight. This time, I''ll go all out." Seojun smirked, meeting his gaze. "And I won''t lose, Nerathiel." Nerathiel chuckled, "Good. When I fell into the Abyss, some of my power was sealed, but once I''ve recovered everything, we''ll see what you''re really made of. I look forward to that day." Seojun smiled back. "Me too. It''ll be a fight worth remembering." The conversation was a peaceful break for Seojun. It was unexpected to see Nerathiel being so polite, but it made Seojun feel more at ease. The next day was busy for Seojun. He spent most of his time showing the visiting n Lords around his territory. The day was filled with tours, discussions, and various attempts to impress him. Some of the n Lords went out of their way to tter Seojun and present themselves in the best light, but Seojun was not very impressed. He focused on making sure everything was in order and that his duties as a host were fulfilled. The constant attention and socializing left Seojun feeling tired. The n Lords each had their own way of interacting with him. Vrok, Kazrak, Balor, and Sorgar each showed off their territories and discussed strategies. While these experiences were interesting, they also left Seojun feeling exhausted. After those busy days, Seojun found more rxed moments. Huno, the massive three-headed dog, spent a lot of time ying with the demon children. Theughter and joy of the kids were a wee break, and Huno seemed to enjoy the yful interaction. Si stayed close to Seojun. Often, he would coil around Seojun''s neck or rest beside him in his snake form. Si''s presence was aforting and reassuring one. The guardian''s constantpanionship, especially being in Seojun''s head, helped him feel secure and calm. Seojun appreciated these quieter times. With Huno''s yful presence and Si''s steadypanionship, he could rx and recover from the busy days. As the week came to a close, Seojun''s time in the realm felt like it had passed in the blink of an eye. His days were filled with interactions with the Bino demons and the Grimporcs, who had weed him with open arms. Kazrak''s gift, a grand and powerful beast, had been a highlight for everyone. Seojun''s presence had be a source of joy andfort to the realm''s inhabitants. Despite his reserved nature, Seojun made a significant impact. His quiet demeanor and rare smiles spoke volumes. He spent his time assisting those in need, whether it was tending to sick or injured demons or joining in with the children''s games. His kindness and helpfulness won the hearts of many, making him a beloved figure among the demons. On the final day, n Lords, Mra, and many demon children had gathered to bid Seojun farewell. Mra, with tears streaming down her face, approached him with a heavy heart. "My lord, I can''t believe you''re leaving," she said, her voice trembling. "We''re going to miss you so much." Seojun looked at her with a warm smile. "Thank you, Mra." The demon children, who had grown fond of Seojun, crowded around him, their faces full of sadness and hope. "Brother Seojun, don''t go!" one child said, holding onto his sleeve. "We''ll miss you!" Seojun knelt down, his heart touched by their affection. "I''ll miss all of you too. Keep smiling and ying. It makes this ce special." The n Lords approached, each expressing their gratitude and respect. Vrok, with his stone-gray skin, nodded appreciatively. "Your presence has been a blessing to us all. Safe travels, Lord Seojun." Kazrak, with his powerful aura, added, "You''ve earned our admiration and respect. We''re grateful for your time here." Mra''s brother stepped forward, his voice steady despite the emotion. "I will take care of the n in your absence. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility and for making me the second lord. I promise to uphold your legacy." Seojun gave him a reassuring smile. "I trust you will do an excellent job. Thank you for taking on this role." As Seojun prepared to leave, he took onest look at the realm and its inhabitants. With a final wave and a heartfelt "Goodbye," Seojun stepped through the portal, leaving behind a ce that had be like a second home. Notification: You will be transported to the next destination: The Kartinerion Sea. Huno, now in his adult size, nuzzled against Seojun''s side, his three heads showing a mix of concern and affection. Seojun reached down to pat Huno''s back, a small smile on his face. "I kind of feel sad leaving," Huno let out a gentle growl and nudged Seojun, his heads tilting as if to reassure him. Seojun chuckled, feeling a pang of sadness mixed with the excitement of the journey ahead. With a final wave to Mra, the n Lords, and all the demons who had gathered to see him off. His hand lingered in the air, a silent farewell to the friends he had made. As light enveloped him, Seojun''s figure began to fade. Hisst words were carried away by the wind, barely audible. "Goodbye, everyone. Thank you for everything." In a sh, Seojun disappeared from view. [Notification: You have been transported to The Kartinerion Sea.] Description: The Kartenirion Sea is a vast, ominous body of water located within the Abyss, characterized by its unsettling beauty and inherent danger. The surface is a deep, inky ck, punctuated by swirling shades of crimson and violet that seem to pulse like a living entity. Seojun sighed. "I''m gonna miss the daylight," he said, looking around. [You have to cross the Kartenirion Sea, Host] As he took in his new surroundings, monstrous sea creatures began to emerge from the depths. They were grotesque and deformed, with glowing eyes and razor-sharp limbs. It was as if all manner of sea beasts that had perished in other realms had somehow drifted here, to the dark waters of the Kartenirion sea. Si, in his snake form, curled up and hissed. Huno, turning into his human size, prepared to fight. Both were ready to defend Seojun. Seojun took out his scythe, which glinted in the starry light. He smiled and said, "Let''s finish them off, then we can move to the next area." The creatures charged at them, but Seojun and hispanions were quick. Seojun swung his scythe with skill, and Huno and Si fought fiercely. With his loyal friends by his side, Seojun continued through the strange and endlessnd, prepared for whatever came next. Chapter 64: Chapter 64: The Present [Back to the Present] Just then, Seojun slowly opened his eyes to find Huno licking his face. He was back in his small house, the one he had made for himself. The memories of when he first came in this ce felt like they had been a vivid dream, but the sensation of Huno''s affection brought him back to reality. "Huno?" Seojun muttered, rubbing his eyes. The warm,forting presence of his loyalpanion made him smile. The battle and the adventures with his team had indeed happened, but they had now appeared in his dreams. Seojun stood up and tied his long hair into a neat ponytail. The length of his hair fell just to his chest, well-maintained despite its length. As he removed his shirt, he revealed a body sculpted by 500 years of battles and training. His abs were well-defined, and his chest was hard and muscr. A well-groomed beard and mustache framed his face, adding to his rugged appearance. [How was your sleep, Host? You looked like you were dreaming, so I made Huno wake you up.] Seojun did a few stretches to loosen up, then began his exercises, splitting and performing various movements to keep himself in peak condition. "Nah, I just dreamt about when I first came here," Seojun said, chuckling. "It''s nice to look back and see how far I''vee." He continued his routine and looked at the system hologram with curiosity. "Since I defeated the Abyssal Behemoth, Lord of the Abyssal Wastend why haven''t I been transported to the Abyssal Lord''s Domain yet?" he asked. He awaited a response, performing a set of push-ups while standing on one finger, his bnce perfect despite the unusual position. The system''s holographic interface flickered for a moment before responding with a new notification. The screen disyed an image of a dark, imposing fortress surrounded by a swirling, ominous barrier. A message appeared below. [Abyssal Lord''s Domain is protected by a specialized barrier that prevents automatic teleportation. To enter, you must bypass the barrier manually. The only way to do so is by walking through the Domain of the Abyssal Lord] As hepleted the final push-up, he flipped back to his feet and stood up straight, stretching his muscles. Seojun put on his gear and prepared to leave. He pulled his small house into his inventory, making sure it was safe forter. Huno, his three-headed dog, approached, and Seojun climbed onto his back. "Time to go home, Huno," Seojun said. Huno barked in agreement and started moving. Meanwhile, On the Ebon Isle, darkness ruled everything. The ind floated in the endless void of the Abyss, surrounded by a still, ck ocean that seemed to go on forever. A thick fog covered the jagged shores, hiding the ind''s secrets. At the center of this lonely ce stood Nightsfall Keep, a huge castle made of stone as dark as the night. Its tall towers rose into the sky, like ws reaching out of the darkness. Gargoyles lined the walls, their twisted faces always watching. A moat of swirling shadows surrounded the castle, filled with whispers and faint cries. Few dared to cross it, knowing the danger within. Inside the castle, the halls were cold and empty, echoing with every step. In the deepest part of the keep was the Throne of Shadows. Here, in the very heart of the Abyss, the Abyssal Lord sat, watching over all that lived in this dark realm. On Ebon Isle, time seemed to stop, and reality blended with nightmare, as the ind''s dark magic trapped anyone who stepped onto its cursed ground. Grimzark, the Abyssal Lord, sat on his dark throne in the heart of the Ebon Isle. He was a towering figure cloaked in shadows, with a ck robe that seemed to merge with the surrounding darkness. His face was hidden by a hood, revealing only his glowing red eyes, which stared with an expression of boredom. Around him, a group of female orcs danced and performed for his entertainment. Their movements were lively and exaggerated, meant to capture his attention. Despite their efforts, Grimzark remained indifferent, merely observing them with a detached gaze. He sighed heavily, his breath a cold whisper in the air, clearly unimpressed and disinterested by the disy. Grimzark, the Abyssal Lord, sat on his dark throne, watching the female orcs dance. He was clearly bored and finally waved his hand dismissively. Dark energy shot from his fingers, lifting the orcs from the ground. They screamed in fear as they were thrown out of the castle and into the abyss beyond the Ebon Isle. Their cries soon disappeared, leaving only silence and swirling shadows. The silence was broken only by the soft clink of ss as Grimzark poured himself a goblet of ck wine. The dark liquid swirled ominously in the ss, reflecting the eerie light of the Throne of Shadows. At that moment, a trembling demon approached, bowing deeply. "My lord, is there anything you need?" he asked nervously. Grimzark took a slow sip of his wine and then addressed the demon. "Have you found out who defeated Behemoth?" His voice was cold and menacing, making the demon shiver. The demon hesitated, then replied, "It was a human." This piqued Grimzark''s interest, and he waited for the demon to continue. The demon added, "He calls himself Han Seojun, my lord. He has a Cerberus and a Hydra apanying him." Grimzark, the Abyssal Lord, leaned back in his throne, a thoughtful smile curling on his lips. "A Cerberus and a Hydra," he mused, his voice low and dangerous. "That human must be incredibly strong tomand such powerful beings." His eyes gleamed with a new, intense interest. "Han Seojun, you say? This could be very intriguing." He turned to the trembling demon, his smirk widening. "Find out where this human is. I want to know his location immediately. It seems I may not be bored for much longer." The demon nodded quickly and began to scurry off, eager to fulfill the newmand. Grimzark watched him go, his thoughts already racing with the possibilities of meeting this formidable human. As the demon disappeared into the shadows, Grimzark rose from his throne, the anticipation in his dark eyes growing. "Han Seojun," he repeated with a chilling excitement. "Prepare yourself. I''ming for you." With a final, satisfied smirk, Grimzark turned and strode away, his presence making the very air around him crackle with dark energy. The abyss seemed to stir with an unsettling sense of anticipation, mirroring the Lord''s growing excitement for the encounter thaty ahead. Grimzark was deep in thought, savoring his dark wine, when the demon suddenly appeared, panic in its eyes. "My lord! The human is approaching! He''s riding the Hydra and crossing the sea!" the demon eximed urgently. Grimzark''s eyes widened in surprise, and he burst into a loud, boomingugh. The sound echoed through the chamber, mingling with the shadows around him. "Interesting human!" Grimzark roared with amusement. "Prepare a proper greeting! Don''t stop or block him¡ªlet him show himself to me." The demon looked confused but could not refuse. It nodded quickly and hurried off to carry out the orders. As the demon departed, Grimzark''sughter continued, a chilling sound that filled the chamber. "I can''t wait to delve into your memories and y with them," he said with a wicked grin. "Let''s see just how strong your mind really is, human." The abyss seemed to pulse with Grimzark''s excitement, the anticipation of the encounter filling the air with a dark, electric tension. Seojun stood at the edge of the Obsidian Abyss, a dark, endless expanse of water stretching before him. The sea''s ck, swirling waves seemed to absorb all light, creating a sense of danger and mystery. Across the seay the ind where the Abyssal Lord, Grimzark, resided. A system notification appeared in front of him with a soft chime. [You have reached the Obsidian Abyss. This dangerous sea separates you from Grimzark''s ind. Watch out for hostile creatures in these waters. Proceed with caution.] Seojun read the notification with a focused expression. He looked down at Huno, his three-headed dog, and gave a nod. "You''ve done well, Huno. Take a rest now," he said quietly. With a thought, he unsummoned Huno, allowing the dog to return to the safety of his ring. Next, Seojun turned to the Hydra beside him. "Si," he called out. The Hydra, who had been in its smaller, human-sized form, responded immediately. As Seojun spoke its name, Si began to grow, expanding rapidly until it was massive, towering over the shore. Its silver scales gleamed even in the dim light. Without hesitation, Si leaped into the Obsidian Abyss, creating a huge ssh as it hit the poisonous water. [Si has a natural Poison Resistance, allowing you to cross the Obsidian Abyss safely. ] Warning: The waters are highly toxic. Without proper protection, exposure can be deadly. Seojun read the notification,He climbed onto Si''s massive back, holding on as he began to swim strongly across the dark sea. Chapter 65: Chapter 65: Ranks? As Seojun and Si moved across the Obsidian Abyss, he watched the dark waters closely. The sea was known for being full of dangerous creatures, but something unusual was happening. Instead of attacking, the sea creatures were moving aside, clearing a path for them. It was as if the sea itself was letting them pass without any trouble. He noticed this strange behavior and found it odd. Just then, his system chimed with a new notification: [The Abyssal Lord, Grimzark, might be aware of your presence. Instead of stopping you, it seems he is allowing you to continue. Be ready¡ªthis could be his way of weing you host.] Seojun read it and his expression serious. Grimzark knew he wasing, and instead of attacking, he was letting him through. It showed confidence, maybe even arrogance . With Si''s strong strokes pushing them forward, they continued across the Obsidian Abyss. The calmness of the sea made the situation even more tense, as Seojun knew that every moment brought him closer to his meeting with Grimzark. The Abyssal Lord''s "wee" only made him more eager to face whatever was waiting on the ind. Meanwhile, A huge crowd gathered around a portal glowing with energy. Reporters and cameras filled the area, while soldiers kept the crowd back to keep them safe from the portal. Suddenly, the crowd cheered as the Wolf Fang''s party arrived. This group of awakeners, including a mage, healer, porter, swordsman, and others, was back for their second attempt at clearing an A-rank dungeon. Reporters rushed forward, eager to ask questions. "How do you feel about this second attempt?" one reporter shouted. "Do you have any new strategies this time?" another asked. "Are you confident you''ll seed after your first attempt failed?" a third reporter pressed. The leader of the Wolf Fang''s party, clearly annoyed by the questions, walked up to the reporters. He suddenly punched one of the reporters who was getting too close, snatching the microphone from their hand. With a fierce look, he said, "We don''t care about your questions. We''re here to show that we can clear this dungeon, no matter what happened before. Just watch us!" The reporters stepped back, surprised and a bit scared. The group ignored the crowd and turned their focus to the portal. In a high-tech office, officials watched the scene on theirrge TV screen. The Wolf Fang''s party was shown arriving at the portal, and their leader''s aggressive reaction was clear. The room was filled with tension. An older man, known for his authority, mmed his fist on his desk in anger. The desk broke apart from the force of his blow. "Where are the top rankers? Why aren''t they making a move?!" he shouted, his face red with frustration. His voice echoed through the room, making everyone uneasy. One of the officials, adjusting his sses nervously, said, "We''ve tried to contact them, but they can''t be found. It''s like they''ve disappeared. " The old man''s anger grew. "This is uneptable! An A-rank dungeon shouldn''t be handled by a C-rankers. Our top rankers are missing, and we''re risking everything!" Another official added, "If the Wolf Fang''s party fails, it could be dangerous. They might even die in the dungeon. We need to be ready for any oue." The old man''s eyes narrowed, deeply worried. "If their group fails, it''s not just their lives at risk! it could endanger the safety of Korea and its people. We must find those top rankers now and make sure they understand how serious this is." The officials quickly began working to find the missing top rankers and prepare for any possible oues. After the officials left, the two young adults, Alexa and Alex, approached the old man with concern. Both had blond hair and brown eyes and were in their twenties. Alexa gently helped the old man sit down. "Grandpa, try not to get too upset. The top rankers will probablye back soon." The old man, still agitated, demanded, "What''s going on with the disappearance of the top rankers?!" Alex spoke up, "I heard the Global System summoned them for an emergency quest . That''s why we haven''t been able to reach them." The old man''s anger red again. "An emergency quest? Why wasn''t I informed? This situation is critical! We need to act quickly!" Alexa suggested, "Why don''t we go into the dungeon ourselves? We might be able to help." The old man''s face turned red with frustration. "Are you out of your minds? Both of you are likely cursed and unable to use your abilities properly. You''re in no condition to go into an A-rank dungeon!" Alex tried to defend their suggestion, "We''re capable of handling ourselves. We just need to work together." The old man shook his head angrily. "This isn''t about capability¡ªit''s about safety. If you''re cursed, you''ll be a liability, not an asset. We can''t afford to risk your lives in the dungeon. We need to find another solution and get more information about this emergency quest." Alexa and Alex exchanged worried nces but nodded in agreement they started talking in a few minutes when Suddenly, the old man''s assistant burst into the office without knocking. "Chairman, take a look at this!" he eximed, urgently pointing to the TV screen. The old man, Alexa, and Alex quickly turned to the screen. To their shock, they saw that the Wolf King''s group had just emerged from the A-rank dungeon. Breaking News: Wolf Fang''s party Sessfully Clears a A-Rank Dungeon on Their Second Attempt! "Wait, what happened? Didn''t they just enter a few minutes ago?" Alexa asked, her voice filled with disbelief. The assistant, clearly excited, exined, "The Wolf Fang''s party is now all over the news. They cleared the A-rank dungeon in just minutes! This is a golden opportunity to recruit them before someone else does." The old man''s eyes lit up with interest. "Quick, we need to make an offer to recruit them right away!" The scene on the screen shifted to show the Wolf King''s group. The leader was happily waving and smiling broadly, clearly thrilled with their sess. However, his team members appeared less enthusiastic, their expressions a mix of exhaustion and concern. The old man chuckled, "It looks like we''ve got some amazing awakeners on our hands! Clearing a A rank dungeon in a few minutes! Hahaa" Alexa and Alex exchanged uneasy nces. Something felt off to them. The sudden and swift clearance of the dungeon, coupled with the mixed reactions of the Wolf King''s group, raised concerns. Alexa whispered to Alex, "This doesn''t seem right. There''s something we''re missing here." Alex nodded, his expression thoughtful. Alexa and Alex bid their grandpa farewell and walked out of the office. Their butler opened the car door for them, and they both got in, settling into the backseat. "How was your talk with the chairman, young master and youndy?" the butler asked as he closed the door and got into the driver''s seat. "It was fine," Alexa replied. "I want some fresh air," Alex added. "Take us to our friend''s house." "Yes, young master," the butler said, starting the engine. The car moved smoothly through the city streets, but both Alexa and Alex were quiet, gazing out of their respective windows. Alexa broke the silence with a whisper, "I can''t believe how much has changed in a few years." Alex heard her but chose not to respond. As they neared their friend''s house, he noticed a familiar figure walking in the direction they were headed. His eyes widened in recognition. Without a word, Alex aggressively tapped the car window to stop. "What''s wrong, brother?" Alexa asked, confused. "That''s him!" Alex shouted, his voice filled with urgency. He threw open the car door and hurried out, determined to confront the figure. Alexa followed quickly, her concern growing. As Alexa recognized the figure tears start streaming in her face covering her mouth while Alex hug and asked the familiar man. Chapter 66: Chapter 66: Facing the Abyss Lord Seojun arrived on the Ebon Isle, and as he approached, he noticed something unusual. All the demons and creatures on the ind were lined up, making way for him. The Hydra, now in its human-sized form, walked beside him. Seojun summoned Huno, his three-headed dog, to his side. The sight of the creatures bowing to him made Seojun mutter to himself, "What a weird lord." As they approached the castle, two massive Cyclops stepped forward and opened the enormous doors with ease. Inside, a grand throne room awaited, A Massive being that shrink his size with the throne and now stood as tall as Seojun, but its dark, shadowy body made it seem far more terrifying. Its skin looked like ck mist, shifting and moving as if it were alive. A single sharp horn stuck out from its forehead, curving dangerously. Its glowing eyes burned with evil, and a chilling smile spread across its face. Even though it wasn''t huge, a dark, heavy aura surrounded it, making the air feel cold and thick. Rising from the throne, it addressed Seojun with a booming voice. "Wee! Wee, human!" The Abyss Lord dered. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you!" Seojun stepped forward, his eyes scanning the throne room. "I''m here to take the Realm back to Zyraena," he dered firmly. He tried to check the status of the lord, but an error message shed before him, giving no information. The lord''s expression shifted as he processed Seojun''s deration. He slowly sat back down, signaling a nearby subus to pour ck wine into his enormous ss. With a smooth, practiced motion, he drank it all in one gulp. "So, You''re Zyraena''s ve," the lord said, his tone dismissive. Seojun''s eyes narrowed. "No, I''m not." With that, he unsheathed his sword, its de zing with blue fire. Si, the Hydra, and Huno, the Cerberus, grew to match the lord''s massive size, preparing for the fight. "Time to finish this," Seojun said seriously,unching into the attack. As Seojun aimed to pierce the lord''s forehead, a sudden, intense pain erupted in his head. He stumbled, his vision blurring. The lord, seemingly unfazed, waved a finger as if examining something with interest, nodding asionally. As Seojuny on the ground, struggling against the searing pain in his head, he managed to finally appraise the massive lord. The system notification appeared before him, shing with critical details. Ding! [Main Quest Update: Grimzark''s Legacy] Name: Grimzark Title: Lord of the Abyss, Dread of tyrant, Fallen Lord Level: Error Status: Former Deity, Brother of Goddess Zyraena Description: Grimzark was once a god, a powerful being of immense strength and authority, before his fall from grace and now is cursed. As a fallen brother of Goddess Zyraena, his presence here signifies aplex and dark past. His current status is one of immense power, now corrupted and twisted from his former divine nature. Quest Objective: Discover the truth behind Grimzark''s fall from divinity and the implications it has for your mission to restore the Realm to Goddess Zyraena. Ding! [You have encountered a significant figure in your quest. To fully understand Grimzark''s role and history, investigate further into his past. This will reveal critical information necessary for your mission and provide insight into the ongoing conflict.] Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. Blood trickled from his ears and mouth as he absorbed the gravity of the revtion. Grimzark wasn''t just a powerful demon; he was a former god and a fallen brother of Goddess Zyraena. As Seojun struggled with the intense pain, another system notification appeared, [WARNING!] [Mind Invasion Detected] Skill Name: Mind Shroud - Description: Lord Grimzark is using a powerful form of mind maniption known as "Mind Shroud" to invade and distort your thoughts. This skill can cause severe disorientation and pain, making it difficult to focus and maintain control over your actions. Si, the Hydra, immediately moved in front of Seojun, its massive form creating a protective barrier. Huno, the three-headed dog, licked Seojun''s face and whimpered anxiously, clearly worried for his well-being. Seojun took a deep breath, closing his eyes to center himself. He focused on maintaining steady breathing, slowly calming his mind and pushing back against the invasive force. After a few moments, he opened his eyes, feeling moreposed. He reached out to pet Huno, whose tail wagged in relief. "I''m fine now," Seojun said softly to Huno. "This is the first time I''ve experienced something like this." With renewed determination, he stood up and moved to Si''s side. As he did, Lord Grimzark''s eyes widened in surprise and admiration. The massive being seemed genuinely impressed by Seojun''s ability to handle the mental assault. "Well, it looks like I underestimated you, human," Grimzark said with a smirk. "You''ve managed to endure my ''Mind Shroud'' quite well. This should make things even more interesting." Seojun faced Grimzark. Lord Grimzark, still sitting on his massive throne, looked at Seojun with both curiosity and doubt. "How did you manage to resist my ''Mind Shroud''? It''s not easy to fight off." Seojun, calm and focused, replied, "I''ve been trapped here for 500 years, there''s no way a mere skill of yours will bring me down" Grimzark leaned back in his throne, clearly intrigued. "You''ve surprised me, human. I''m looking forward to seeing what else you can do." As the tension arise Si and Huno attack and Lord Grimzark casually waved his hand. In an instant, Si the hydra and Huno the Cerberus were trapped inside a birdcage, hanging from the ceiling. The cage glowed with an eerie, magical light. Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. He tried to rush forward to attack Grimzark, but the lord suddenly shrank down to the size of an average human. Seojun halted, confused by the sudden change. Grimzark, now floating in front of Seojun with a mischievous grin, said, "Why don''t we have a chat, human? If you want to keep yourpanions alive, it''s best we talk." Seojun looked up, trying to unsummon Si and Huno, but a warning message appeared: [Warning! The cage is bound by a godly curse. It can only be opened by the one who created it.] Seojun sighed and nodded. "Alright, let''s talk." Grimzark beamed with satisfaction. "Excellent! Follow me, human!" Grimzark floated ahead, leading Seojun through the castle''s winding corridors. Minutester, they arrived at a room. As soon as the door closed behind them, Seojun was forced onto a bed, and Grimzarknded next to him with surprising agility. "Now, human!" Grimzark said with a childlike excitement. "Tell me more about your memories, especially about pizza and cats!" Seojun, still reeling from the bizarre turn of events, sat up and stared in confusion. Grimzark, now looking like a 15-year-old boy with a small horn in the middle of his forehead, appeared anything but fearsome. His terrifying appearance had transformed into that of an eager teenager. "What''s happening?" Seojun thought, bewildered by Grimzark''s sudden change in demeanor and appearance. Chapter 67: Chapter 67: Just that? As he tried to process the strange turn of events, Child Grimzark suddenly leaped onto him, pinning him down on the bed. The child-like Grimzark sat on Seojun''s chest, looking excited yetpletely unaware of their awkward position. "You''ve blocked your mind so I can''t see much more, human!" Grimzark eximed with child-like glee, oblivious to the situation. Seojun, feeling that the immediate danger had passed, managed to push the child Grimzark off him and floated away. He looked at Grimzark with confusion. The child Grimzark floated back, whining as he spoke. "Fighting and killing aren''t fun anymore. I''m bored of it. So whatever you do, or however strong you are, I refuse to fight." Seojun, now standing, was resolute. "You have no choice but to fight me. I will take this realm from you." He drew his sword, ming with blue fire, and assumed a fighting stance. Child Grimzark, still floating in the air with a bored expression, made a sudden decision. He waved his hand dismissively, and Seojun struggled to react quickly. With a dramatic gesture, Grimzark began his oath. "I, Lord Grimzark, hereby acknowledge my defeat at the hands of the human Han Seojun. By the powers vested in me, I dere that Han Seojun shall be the new Lord of the Abyss Realm." Grimzark then pricked his finger, letting his blood drip onto a glowing paper contract. "Now, sign this to make it official," he said, extending the paper toward Seojun. Grimzark''s sharp nail cut his palm slightly. Grimzark pressed Seojun''s bleeding hand onto the paper, sealing the contract with his blood. The contract glowed brightly as it sealed, marking the end of the oath. Grimzark''s expression shifted to one of bored resignation. As Seojun stared at the mythical golden paper contract, he thought, just that?! His confusion deepened as Child Grimzark suddenly pushed him back onto the bed and sat in hisp, making Seojun feel increasingly awkward. "Maybe this will work," Grimzark said with a mischievous grin. In an instant, Grimzark transformed into a cute Japanese loli girl,plete with big, sparkling eyes and a yful demeanor. The newly transformed Grimzark looked up at Seojun with a sweet smile. "Onii-chan! Can you tell me a bedtime story about your word?" she asked in a high-pitched, adorable voice. "Please, Onii-chan!" Seojun''s face turned bright red as he recognized the loli''s appearance from a movie he identally watched when he first got his phone. It was a scene he hadn''t expected to encounter again in such a bizarre way. "Stop that!" Seojun shouted, trying to push Grimzark away. But Grimzark justughed heartily, floating in mid-air and clearly enjoying the situation. "What a funny human!" Grimzarkughed, his voice echoing through the room. "Hahaha! Your face is red as a tomato!" Seojun turned away, his cheeks still burning with embarrassment. "Get away from me!" Seojun shouted, trying to shake off the loli Grimzark who had now jumped onto his back and refused to let go. "Oh, Onii-chan!" Grimzark squealed, clinging tightly. "You''re so strong, but you''re not very good at shaking me off!" Seojun twisted and turned, attempting to dislodge Grimzark. "Seriously, stop it! This is ridiculous!" Grimzark giggled, wrapping her tiny arms around his neck. "But I''m having so much fun! You''re like a big, warm teddy bear!" Seojun gritted his teeth, trying to ignore how ridiculous he must look. "Just how many you see in my memories?! I said Let go!" Seojun, frustrated with Grimzark''s yful antics, threw him off his back with a grunt. Grimzark floated in the air,ughing loudly as he descended. "Stop it!" Seojun snapped. "I''m not telling you anything about Earth." Grimzark, stillughing, began to change form mid-air. He transformed into a tall, beautiful girl with long, silky ck hair and brown eyes, dressed in a stylish two-piece outfit. As he floated down, he yfully wrapped his arms around Seojun''s neck, hugging him tightly. Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. "What the¡ª?" Grimzark, now in his new form, grinned and said, "Aww Seojun don''t be so serious! I just saw some of your memories and thought I''d try something fun!" Seojun tried to push Grimzark away. Grimzark, still in his tall, beautiful girl form, began mimicking voices Seojun had seen in his memories. He even started adopting high-pitched, yful tones that made Seojun''s face flush red with embarrassment. Seojun, feeling overwhelmed and nearly on the edge, shouted loudly and coldly, "I SAID STOP IT" The force of his shout was so intense that it made the castle tremble. The sound echoed through the halls, and the walls seemed to shiver under the pressure. Grimzark, startled by the sudden explosion of emotion, quickly reverted to his child form. He floated in the air,ughing uncontrobly, clutching his stomach as he tried to regainposure. Seojun, now calming down from his outburst, muttered under his breath, "Fuck this." He took a deep breath, trying to collect himself as Grimzark continued tough heartily. The yful demon''s antics had managed to break through Seojun''s stern exterior, causing an unexpected moment of levity amidst their serious confrontation. "Alright," Seojun said, trying to sound moreposed, "I get it." Grimzark, still chuckling, nodded. "Okay, okay! But that was just too funny Human!" Meanwhile, Si and Huno were trapped in a cage high above the throne room, trying desperately to break free. The magic that held them was too strong, and their efforts seemed futile. Huno''s three heads argued among themselves, each one frustrated and concerned. "We have to get out!" growled the middle head, attempting to bite through the glowing bars. But as soon as his teeth touched them, he was zapped with electricity, forcing him to pull back in pain. "Stop biting!" snapped the left head. "You''re only hurting ourself." Si, a massive silver-scaled hydra with nine heads, coiled his long body around the bars, looking down at Huno. His voices were filled with worry as he asked, "Brother, what about Father? Can he help us get out of this cage? He''s always with Master." Huno''s middle head, still stinging from the shock, responded solemnly, "Father can''t interfere, Si. We can''t rely on him this time. He can only act when Master truly needs him. The other heads of Huno agreed, their expressions grim. "We need to find another way," the calm head added. Si tightened his coils, his silver scales gleaming faintly. "But what should we do? I hope Master is okay..." Suddenly, the cage started to flicker, and before they could react, it disappeared entirely, leaving them to fall. Hunonded on his feet with a heavy thud, while Si, unprepared, fell headfirst to the ground. "To Master!" Huno''s middle head roared as soon as he regained his bnce. Without hesitation, the three-headed dog sprinted across the throne room, his massive paws pounding against the stone floor. Si quickly righted himself, all nine heads focused as he slithered rapidly beside Huno. As they rushed to reach Seojun, demons appeared, trying to block their path. But Huno''s immense strength was too much for them. He charged through, sending demons flying in every direction. Sished out with his many heads, knocking aside any that dared toe close. "Nothing will stop us!" Huno''s right head growled as they continued their charge. "Hold on, Master. We''reing," Si''s voices hissed in unison, his nine heads weaving through the chaos. Chapter 68: Chapter 68: Quest Complete As Huno and Si burst into Grimzark''s sleeping chamber, the chaos continued to unfold. Huno''s side heads quickly spotted two small demons rushing toward them. Without hesitation, both heads snapped forward, biting into the demons. Huno shook his heads violently, and with a growl, he flung the demons away, sending them flying across the chamber. Si, right behind Huno, used his powerful draconic body to crash into the enormous door blocking their path. With a mighty heave, the door was ripped from its hinges and sent hurtling across the room, clearing the way. "MASTER!" Huno''s middle head roared as they charged forward, his voice echoing off the stone walls. Si, following closely behind, shouted, "Master?" His nine heads expressed confusion, their voices blending together as they tried to make sense of the scene before them. What greeted them was not the battle they had anticipated but something entirely different. In the middle of the sleeping chamber, Seojun was seated in a grand chair, speaking calmly. Kneeling before him was the child-like Grimzark, nodding enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling with attention as he listened to every word Seojun said. Huno and Si skidded to a halt, their massive forms towering over the unusual scene. The tension in the room shifted instantly. Huno''s heads blinked in surprise, while Si''s many eyes widened in bewilderment. "Master?" Si repeated, all nine heads tilting slightly as he tried to understand what was happening. Seojun looked up at his guardians, a small smile ying on his lips. "It''s alright," he said reassuringly, his tone calm and controlled. "Grimzark and I are just having a conversation." The child Grimzark looked up at Si and Huno, his innocent expression showing no signs of the mischief or danger they had expected and smiled at them and float. Huno''s heads exchanged puzzled nces, and Si, still unsure, slowly lowered his massive body, his heads hovering close to Seojun. "What... happened?" Si asked, still trying to process the drastic shift from what he thought was a battle to this bizarre scene. "Everything''s under control." Seojun said as the system tranted. Si, still slightly bewildered, settled down beside Seojun, his many heads finally at ease. "As long as your safe, Master." Huno, who had been carefully watching over Seojun, suddenly felt an odd weight on his back. One of his side heads turned to investigate, only to find Grimzark¡ªnow in his child form¡ªsitting therefortably, grinning with delight. "Get off me!" Huno''s middle head roared, shaking his body violently in an attempt to dislodge Grimzark. The demon, however, justughed and held on tighter, enjoying the ride. Frustrated, Huno began running in circles around the chamber, his three heads snapping at Grimzark as he tried to shake him off. "I said get off!" he growled, while the child-like Grimzark only giggled, clinging on like a mischievous child ying a game. Meanwhile, Si, who had been cautiously watching the spectacle, noticed something odd near his tail. One of his heads twisted around to inspect it and was startled to see another Grimzark, identical to the one on Huno''s back, sitting casually on his silver-scaled tail. The sight made all of Si''s heads hiss in unison, their eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Get off!" Si demanded, lunging to bite at the clone. But the more he twisted and turned to reach it, the more tangled he became in his own body, circling endlessly in pursuit of the elusive demon. As the scene unfolded, with Huno spinning in wild circles and Si chasing his own tail, the real Grimzark''s body floated calmly beside Seojun, who watched the chaos with a mixture of amusement and bewilderment. "How did you tame these gods'' pets?" Grimzark asked, his childlike voice tinged with curiosity as he floatedzily in the air. "I doubt that you''re a god." Seojun smiled, recalling his first encounter with Huno. "I met Huno when I first got the key to the Door of the Underworld," he exined. "I don''t know how, but I managed to gain his trust, and ever since then, he followed me." Grimzark''s eyes sparkled with interest, his mischievous grin widening. "Interesting¡­ You must have something special about you, then. Not just anyone could win over a creature like him." Seojun shrugged modestly, but his gaze remained focused on his loyalpanions, who were still caught up in their ridiculous struggle. Huno finally managed to throw the Grimzark clone off his back, sending it tumbling across the chamber floor, while Si, having failed to catch the one on his tail, gave up and copsed in a heap, panting in frustration. Grimzark giggled, clearly entertained by the spectacle. "I suppose I should stop teasing them," he said, waving his hand. The two clones vanished instantly, leaving Huno and Si to untangle themselves and catch their breath. Seojun chuckled as he watched his guardians regroup, finally able to rx. "It''s good to see they''re still as spirited as ever," he remarked, shaking his head with a smile. As the system notification confirming his sess faded, Seojun''s mind was suddenly bombarded with a barrage of new notifications. They appeared in rapid session, filling his vision with a cascade of shimmering text. Ding! [Quest Complete: im the Abyss Realm!] Ding! [Title Acquired Lord of the Abyss] Skill acquired: Abyssal Authority ¨C Grants full control over the Abyss Realm and its inhabitants. and more... Rewards: - Abyss Core: Allows instant travel to and from the Abyss Realm. - Realm Stabilization:*The Abyss Realm will now align itself to the will of its new Lord. - Exclusive Summon: Grimzark ¨C Grimzark will now serve as your subordinate, bound to yourmand. - +10,000,000,000 Abyssal Coins As the flood of notifications appeared before Seojun''s eyes, his gaze was drawn to one in particr: [Exclusive Summon: Grimzark ¨C Grimzark will now serve as your subordinate, bound to yourmand.] Seojun stared at the words, his mind racing. Grimzark? My exclusive summon? He had expected rewards, but this was beyond anything he''d thought. The former ruler of the Abyss Realm, now under hismand? It didn''t add up. Why would Grimzark agree to this? Seojun wondered, ncing over at the demon who was currently having too much fun teasing Si and Huno. Grimzark was effortlessly dodging Si''s snapping jaws and Huno''s ferocious barks, hisughter echoing through the chamber. The sight was almost surreal¡ªa being as powerful as Grimzark, now ying around like a mischievous child.Is this just another one of his games? Seojun questioned. The idea that Grimzark, who had ruled this realm with such ease, would willingly submit to being his summon felt strange. Seojun couldn''t help but feel a twinge of doubt. What does Grimzark gain from this? He knew there had to be a reason, something beyond the surface. Grimzark was too cunning, too unpredictable, to simply roll over without a n.As Seojun''s thoughts churned, another notification interrupted him: Ding! [You are being transported to the Sovereign of Omniarch Realm] Preparation Phase Initiated... Teleportation Commencing in 10¡­ 9¡­ 8¡­ Seojun''s heart skipped a beat as the countdown began. He barely had time to process what was happening before the chamber around him began to shimmer and fade. The walls dissolved into a swirling mix of dark and golden hues, and he could feel the pull of the teleportation beginning to take hold.He cast onest nce at Grimzark, who had stopped teasing Si and Huno and was now floating over to him with a knowing grin. Si and Huno is now getting pulled by my Ring What are you really up to, Grimzark? Seojun thought, as the countdown ticked down to zero and he was pulled away to face whatever awaited him in the Sovereign of Omniarch Realm. Chapter 69: Chapter 69: Unlock Hidden Class and Level Maximize Seojun instinctively raised his arm to shield his eyes from the blinding light that enveloped him. The world around him blurred, and for a moment, he felt weightless, suspended in a void of shimmering light and energy. The sensation was disorienting, but familiar. He had felt this before, during his first summoning. Seojun raised his arm to shield his eyes from a blinding light that surrounded him. The world blurred, and he felt weightless, like he was floating in a bright void. This sensation was both disorienting and familiar, reminding him of his first summoning. As the light dimmed and his vision cleared, Seojun realized that he no longer felt the weight of his muscles, beard, and long hair¡ªthey had vanished, as if he had reverted to his original state. "This is how I looked when it all started," Seojun said, feeling his short hair for the first time in a while. He took a deep breath, feeling both nostalgic and uneasy. As the initial shock wore off, he noticed that the bright light had vanished, revealing a grand chamber. The walls were covered in gold and silver patterns, and massive pirs supported a dome with glowing celestial images. In the center of the chamber stood a tall figure in a blue and silver robe. The figure''s face was hidden by a hood, but Seojun could sense a powerful presence radiating from it. "Wee, Seojun," the figure spoke, its voice resonating through the chamber with a calm, yetmanding tone. "You have been brought here to the Sovereign of Omniarch Realm." Seojun stood tall, despite the unease he felt in his changed form. "Why have I been returned to this appearance?" he asked, his voice steady butced with curiosity. "And who are you?" The figure remained silent for a moment, as if considering Seojun''s questions. Then, with a slight motion of its hand, the figure gestured toward Seojun, and a mirror-like surface materialized in front of him, reflecting his youthful appearance back at him. "This form represents your beginning, the foundation of who you are," the figure exined. "You have been stripped of the physical changes brought about by your journey, but your strength, your skills, your experiences¡ªthey remain within you." Seojun studied his reflection, his expression thoughtful. It was true¡ªthough his body had changed, he could still feel the power coursing through him, the knowledge and skills he had acquired still present in his mind. He was different, yet the same. "And as for who I am," the figure continued, lowering its hood to reveal a face that was both ancient and ageless, with eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of countless worlds, "I am the Guardian of the Omniarch Realm, the keeper of itsws and the overseer of those who seek to im its power." Seojun looked at the Guardian, feeling the weight of what wasing. But there was one thing he needed to know. "Where is she?" he asked, his voice a little uncertain. The Guardian''s expression softened. "She has something really important to take care of," they said kindly. "But she told me she''ll contact you soon." Seojun nodded, He had always counted on Goddess Zyraena''s help, and the thought of going forward without her by his side made him feel a bit uneasy. Noticing this, the Guardian began typing in the air, symbols appearing as they worked. "We''ll start your teleportation now," the Guardian said calmly. "Destination: Earth, Seoul, South Korea." Seojun''s heart raced at the mention of his home. He hadn''t thought of it for so long, and now, the idea of returning filled him with mixed emotions¡ªhappiness, fear, and longing all at once. A soft sound signaled the start of the teleportation. Seojun looked down and saw his body slowly fading into light. "Mom," he whispered quietly, closing his eyes as he felt the warmth of the light surrounding him. Memories of home and his mother filled his mind. As his body continued to disappear, the Guardian watched him with a serious yet supportive look. Just before Seojun waspletely gone, the Guardian whispered, "Good luck in your next journey Han Seojun, Save your world." With those final words, Seojun was gone, leaving the Guardian alone in the quiet room. Seojun thought he heard the Guardian whisper something just before he disappeared, but when he opened his eyes, he found himself floating in a strange passageway. The walls around him shimmered with an otherworldly glow, and he felt himself being gently pulled forward, almost like he was gliding through the air. He smiled, the thought of finally meeting his mother filling him with excitement. But as the minutes dragged on, his anticipation turned to impatience. "Why is this taking so long?" he muttered, letting out a sigh. Deciding to pass the time, Seojun floated down into a seated position and opened his status screen, noticing a bunch of unread notifications waiting for him. [Congrattions Host! You have max your level!] All experience points will now be converted to Abyssal Energy. Seojun blinked at the absurdly high number. "999,999?" he whispered, unable toprehend the enormity of it. He look at the other notif. Ding! [Congrattions! You have unlocked a Hidden ss: SSS-Rank Abyssal Tamer.] Description: The Abyssal Tamer is the pinnacle of all taming sses, surpassing every known limit. This Godly ss has never been attained by anyone before you, its power so immense that it has been concealed within the deepestyers of the system. As an Abyssal Tamer, you have the divine authority tomand and bind the most formidable entities. Your bond with them transcends the usual constraints of space and time, allowing you to summon and synchronize with them on a level that defies mortal understanding. Seojun''s brow furrowed. "SSS-Rank? Just how high is that?" He tried to wrap his mind around the concept. Then open the other notification and was about a new item he had received: the Key of the Abyss. Curious, Seojun focused on it, and suddenly, a keyhole appeared in the air before him. Without hesitation, he used the key, and a door materialized out of thin air. As the door swung open, Seojun peered inside and was surprised to see the child-like Grimzark, fast asleep while hugging arge stuffed teddy bear. Seojun''s brow furrowed. "Where did he get that?" he wondered, slightly bewildered by the sight. Using his mind, Seojun explored more of the Abyss through the door. He could see different parts of the realm, dark and vast, with creatures moving about. But something caught his attention¡ªa massive ck screen hovering above the Abyss. All the creatures were staring at it in shock, murmuring among themselves. Seojun squinted and read the message disyed on the screen. It announced that he had be the new Abyssal Lord and that Grimzark was now his right hand. The creatures below were clearly stunned by the news, unsure of what to make of their new ruler. Seojun closed the door and leaned back, processing everything he had just seen. He was now not only the Lord of the Abyss but also the master of Grimzark, a demon he still couldn''t fully figure out. "Mom, I''ming back. I''m returning home." Chapter 70: Chapter 70: A-Rank Dungeon The sound of pickaxes hitting stone echoed through the dungeon, creating a tense atmosphere. Min-seok adjusted the supplies on his back¡ªcarrying them was no problem, but the mood was heavy. "Move it Fuckers! We don''t have all day!" Jae-hyun, their harsh leader, shouted, his abrasive tone filling the space. His reputation for being bossy and ruthless made him disliked. Min-seok sighed, thinking he wouldn''t be there if it weren''t for the money. "Captain, aren''t we going to find the boss room?" the healer asked, her voice trembling. She was beautiful but seemed out of ce with someone like Jae-hyun. Jae-hyun shot her a menacing look. "If you want to die, go find it yourself!" he snapped. The healer flinched in fear, and Min-seok wondered if they were around the same age. The mage stepped in to protect the healer from Jae-hyun''s anger. "Let''s get back to work," she said, leading the healer away. Everyone was clearly ufortable, especially with Jae-hyun leading. Min-seok sighed, feeling frustration bubble up inside him. Jae-hyun wasn''t just bad at leading¡ªhe was a ticking time bomb. The way he treated everyone made it clear that his party was temporary. No one in their right mind would stay with him for long. As Min-seok set down the supplies and leaned against the cold wall, he took out a photo of his sister. "Just wait, little sis. Brother will get you a cake." "She''s cute," Jin-hyu, the other porter, said, and Min-seok smiled. "Of course! She got that from me," Min-seok said, smiling. Jin-hyu raised an eyebrow and Min-seok spoke. "What? Can''t you see?" "Haha, if you say so," Jin-hyuughed. Min-seok was surprised he couldn''t see how cute his sister was. "That guy is so annoying," Jin-hyu said, looking at Jae-hyun, who was dragging and kicking a miner. "What an animal," Min-seok agreed, noting Jae-hyun''s harshness. "I hope we can leave soon. It''s my grandma''s birthday, and I''m nning to get her favorite sweet potatoes," Jin-hyu said. "Same here! It''s my little sister''s birthday too. Why don''t we go together? I''m getting her a strawberry cake," Min-seok suggested. "That''s cool! My grandma doesn''t like cake, so I''ll make seaweed soup. Why don''t you and your sister join us?" "dly! See youter," Min-seok replied. Theyughed but stopped when they heard Jae-hyun shout. Just then, the ground shook, and Min-seok lost his bnce, falling to the floor. His heart raced as he realized what was happening. N-No... Ding! [You have entered the Dungeon Boss Room] [Status: Dungeon Boss] Name: Minotaur A-Rank Status: Angry (Disturbed from its slumber) Prepare yourself for a fierce battle. The Minotaur is enraged and ready to fight. The others stopped mining, their faces pale with shock. Min-seok''s eyes widened as he saw the massive doors of the boss room materialize before them. Suddenly, he felt a hand gripping his neck, yanking him off the ground. It was Jae-hyun, his face twisted in fury. "This was your n all along, wasn''t it? To kill us all?!" he spat, his grip tightening. Min-seok struggled, gasping for air, his thoughts a chaotic mess. ''I don''t want to die. Not in his hands. Please, I have a sister to take care of.'' Min-seok shook his head, trying to speak, but he couldn''t. "Fucking asshole!" Jae-hyun shouted as his grip tightened. "Stop, Jae-hyun! He can''t breathe!" someone shouted. Before Min-seok couldpletely lose consciousness, the room shook again, and a deafening roar filled the air. The boss had awakened. Its massive form emerging from the shadows, its eyes burning with rage. The others started screaming in terror. "We''re gonna die! Run!" "This is the end!" "Aaahh!" Jae-hyun cursed loudly, still holding Min-seok by the neck, his eyes wide with panic. He threw Min-seok to the ground, and he coughed, clutching his throat. He tried to crawl away, desperate to escape. But something was wrong. Min-seok looked down and saw blood¡ªhis blood. Everything is so sudden His legs were gone, severed cleanly from his body. Terror surged through him, and he screamed, his voice echoing off the dungeon walls. "Ahhhh! My legs! It hurts!" Jae-hyun''s eyes were wild as he looked at him. "Since you nned this, you can be the bait," he said, his voice dripping with malice. He grabbed Min-seok by the neck again, dragging him across the floor and throwing him near the Minotaur. Min-seok''s vision blurred as he tried to crawl, his hands slipping in his own blood. He looked up, watching in horror as Jae-hyun and the others ran, abandoning him to his fate. "H-help...D-Don''t leave me h-here," Min-seok tried to shout, begging for help, but his voice was gone. The healer looked at him hesitated, her eyes filled with pity, but the mage pulled her away. As his consciousness began to fade, he thought of the vice-captain they lost on the first attempt. He had been kind, a stark contrast to the monster who now led them. This was it. If only that fucking Jae-hyun was the one who had died, not him! The dungeon was dark, lit only by faintly glowing crystals. The air was thick with the smell of blood and fear. The ground shook with each heavy step of the approaching Minotaur. With trembling hands, Min-seok pulled out a worn photo from his pocket. It was creased and smudged, but the smiling face of his little sister, her eyes bright with joy, was still clear. Today was her birthday. He was supposed to be home, making herugh, not here, lying in a pool of his own blood. His vision blurred as tears welled up, and he whispered to the photo, "I''m sorry, Lil Sis. I hate this. Why today of all days? Why not tomorrow?" His voice cracked as the Minotaur''s shadow loomed over him. He could hear it snorting, the sound of death approaching. "I won''t make it¡­ I''m so sorry, little sis." The world spun as he lost more blood, and the edges of his vision darkened. The Minotaur was almost upon him. There was no escape. He closed his eyes, ready to ept his fate, when suddenly he felt himself being lifted. His eyes fluttered open in confusion, and he saw Jin-hyu¡ªthe guy he had been talking to earlier. His face was tense, sweat dripping from his brow as he struggled to carry Min-seok. "W-What are you doing?! Are you an idiot?!" Min-seok rasped, his voice barely above a whisper. Jin-hyu chuckled, but it wasn''t a sound of amusement. It was shaky, tinged with fear and desperation. "I guess I am," he said, his voice strained. Min-seok clenched his teeth, anger ring through the pain. "You fucker! Just leave me here and save yourself!" But Jin-hyuughed again, the sound hollow and forced, almost as if he was trying to convince himself that everything would be okay. "You sound just like that animal captain," he said, the words catching in his throat. "Don''tugh. It sounds fake," Min-seok struggled to say, each word taking more effort than thest. Jin-hyu was panting now, each step a battle as he carried Min-seok. "We porters are strong," he muttered, "but not when carrying bodies" Min-seok nced down at the photo in his hand, his sister''s smile piercing through the fog of pain and fear. He couldn''t let Jin-hyu die here with him. Summoning what little strength he had left, Min-seok pushed against him, forcing him to stumble and drop Min-seok. He fell hard, the impact sending a jolt of pain through his body, but he didn''t care. He had to make Jin-hyu leave. "Why did you do that?!" Jin-hyu shouted, panic in his voice. He tried to grab Min-seok again, but Min-seok stopped him, pressing the photo and a handful of gold coins into his hands. "Buy my sister a strawberry cake," Min-seok said, his voice breaking as tears streamed down his face. Jin-hyu stared at him, his eyes wide with shock and anguish. "Dumbass! You''re the one who should do that, not me! Cooperate, please!" he shouted, desperation thick in his voice as he looked back at the at the Minotaur, its roar reverberating through the dungeon. "Please," Min-seok whispered, his voice weak, almost lost in the chaos. Jin-hyu paused, and Min-seok leaned closer, his breath shallow, as he whispered in Jin-hyu''s ear, "Tell my sister... how much her brother loves her." Jin-hyu''s grip on the photo tightened, his eyes shining with unshed tears. For a moment, everything was still- the world frozen in the space between life and death. The dungeon shook with each roar of the minotaur. Its massive axe rose high, ready to strike. The porter saw the giant weapon poised above its head and knew this was the end. With thest of his strength, he pushed the other porter away. He flew backward, barely missing the deadly blow of the axe. But in doing so, the porter felt a sharp pain and realized he had lost his arm. Blood poured out, and he could barely move. The minotaur''s axe came crashing down where Jin-hyu had been, but he was safe, thanks to Min-seok. He fell to the ground, his vision fading. he tried to think of his younger sister, her smile, and how he wouldn''t be there for her anymore. "I''m sorry, Lil Sis," He whispered weakly. "Brother... Brother won''t make it." As everything went dark. He just wish that his sister to grow up strong and beautiful. Chapter 71: Chapter 71: Hes Back Suddenly, a strange sensation surged through him. It was warm, almostforting. He felt an energy coursing through him, something that hadn''t been there before. A green light began to emanate from his chest, spreading across his entire body. His strength returned in waves, but his limbs remained gone. The world around him seemed to slow down as the green light enveloped himpletely. "What... what is this?" he whispered, feeling the light growing brighter and more intense. In the midst of his confusion, he noticed the healer. She hade back? She was crying. "W-Why?" he managed to ask, his voice barely audible. She shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "I''m sorry... I''m so sorry..." she sobbed, her voice filled with guilt and despair. Before he couldprehend her words, the minotaur let out a deafening roar, raising its axe once more. He saw the fear in her eyes, and Jin-hyu stepped in front of them, spreading his arms. The minotaur''s axe descended, and he knew this was the end. "F-Fucking dumb-bass," he whispered, cursing under his breath as he braced for the inevitable. But just as the minotaur''s axe was about to strike, a blinding light appeared above its head. The light was pure and radiant, illuminating the entire cavern. Something fell from the light with incredible speed, crashing into the minotaur with a force that shook the ground. The minotaur let out a final, agonized roar before copsing under the weight of whatever had struck it. The light began to fade, and he could barely make out the shape of a massive object embedded in the creature''s skull. His strength returned, and he could move again. He struggled to sit up, his body still aching from the ordeal. He looked around, trying to understand what had just happened. The healer was on her knees, her hands trembling as she stared at the fallen minotaur. "What... what was that?" she whispered, her voice trembling with fear. He had no answer. All he knew was that he was still alive, and somehow, that light had saved them. As he looked at the fallen minotaur, he couldn''t help but wonder what kind of power had just been unleashed. But for now, all he cared about was having another chance to see his sister again. Thick smoke filled the air, making it hard to see. His heart raced, and he could barely breathe. He was lying on the cold, hard ground, his body shaking with fear. His arms and legs were gone, but the pain had turned into a dull ache. He knew he was in bad shape. As the smoke cleared, he heard a voice¡ªa soft, confused voiceing from nearby. He squinted through the haze and saw a young man standing in the middle of the blood-stained ground. The man looked shocked, as if he didn''t know where he was or how he got there. Blood was everywhere, but none of it seemed to be his. "I''m¡­ back?" the young man whispered, his voice trembling. He looked around, taking in the destruction, his eyes wide with confusion. Then he looked at them, and something changed. His gaze was intense, almost terrifying. Suddenly, a powerful aura surrounded him, pressing down on them like a heavy weight. It felt like the air was being squeezed out of the cave, reced by this dark, scary energy. They could hardly breathe, and their bodies wouldn''t move. The aura was too strong, too much to handle. Their skin tingled with fear. The healer, who had been crying, quickly moved and cast a protective barrier around them. The shield shimmered, but it wasn''t strong enough to block out the young man''s aurapletely. "We have to get out of here!" she whispered, her voice shaking with fear. But none of them moved. They were too scared, too frozen by the thought that this man could destroy them all in an instant. He closed his eyes, his breath shallow. He thought he was going to die. "I''m sorry, Sister¡­ it looks like this is the end for us." But then, the heavy aura suddenly disappeared. The air felt lighter, and he slowly opened his eyes. The young man was still there, but now he looked concerned, not angry. He was staring at him, his brow furrowed as if he didn''t understand why he was lying there, broken and helpless. The young man raised his hand, and he flinched, shutting his eyes tight. He thought he was going to be killed. But instead, he heard Jin-hyu''s voice. "Your legs¡­ and arms¡­" Jin-hyu said, sounding shocked. He opened his eyes, hardly believing what he was seeing. His arms and legs were growing back, right in front of him. His body was healing, as if nothing had ever happened. He looked at the young man, stunned, and whispered, "H-How¡­?" The healer and Jin-hyu were also staring at the young man who had just healed him. His arms and legs were back, but he was still in shock. How could this be? Only the Gods had this kind of healing skill. The healer and Jin-hyu were trembling. Suddenly, they both dropped to their knees, looking terrified. "Please don''t kill us!" they shouted together, their voices echoing in the cave. They looked up at the man, begging for their lives. But the young man didn''t seem to care. He stood there calmly, as if their pleas didn''t matter. He looked around, lost in thought, and then asked, "Where is this?" They were confused. The healer, still on her knees, was the first to speak. She helped him stand up, her hands shaking. Jin-hyu quickly moved to help too, and they both held him up. "This is the boss room of an A-rank dungeon," the healer said softly, her voice shaky. Why was he asking something so simple? Didn''t he know where he was? "Let''s get out of here," she whispered to them, fear in her eyes. She started to move away slowly, signaling them to follow her. But before they could take a few steps, everything around them blurred. Suddenly, they weren''t moving away anymore. They were standing right in front of the young man again, as if they had been teleported. The young man looked at them with a calm expression. His heart raced, and he could feel the fear from the healer and Jin-hyu. There was no escape. They were trapped. Was this how they were going to die? Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Were safe now Minseok looked around the cave, his eyes distant as if trying to make sense of something. "This is Earth?" he muttered, more to himself than to the others. The group nodded desperately, still on their knees, afraid to move or even breathe too loudly. They had been answering his questions for a while now, each word trembling from their lips. He seemed deep in thought, paying them little attention. The porter, Jin-Hyu, nudged Minseok''s side, signaling for him to do something. Minseok hesitated, unsure of what to do, then nudged Hannah, the healer beside him. She shot him a panicked look, her eyes wide with fear. "Wait, why me?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Minseok and Jin-Hyu both looked at her, pleading with their eyes. Taking a deep, shaky breath, she spoke up, her voice quivering. "M-Master, may we ask something?" she stuttered, her wordsing out in a rush. The man turned his gaze toward her, his eyes cold and unreadable. He didn''t speak, just stared at her, waiting. His silence hung heavy in the air, making the tension feel almost unbearable. Hannah swallowed hard before continuing, her voice still trembling. "What is your name? And howe you don''t know about this, M-Master?" They waited, hearts pounding in their chests. This man¡ªwhoever he was¡ªheld their lives in his hands. The man stared at them with those intense, unreadable eyes, sending a chill down their spines. Instinctively, they lowered their heads, too afraid to meet his gaze. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, his voice calm but curious. "The boss is dead¡­ so why are you still scared?" Minseok and the others exchanged nervous nces, unsure of how to respond. Was he really asking that? Didn''t he realize how overwhelming his aura was? The energy he had shown earlier had been suffocating. Who wouldn''t be terrified? Jin-Hyu tried to speak, his voice trembling. "N-not because of that, Master¡­" The man didn''t press further. "Lead the way to the dungeon exit," he ordered. The group exchanged another round of uncertain looks, but they had no choice but to obey. They started walking, the man following closely behind, his eyes scanning the surroundings as if everything was new to him. "Just who is he?" Minseok muttered under his breath, still uneasy. As they continued walking, the tension between them started to ease slightly. The man, despite his intimidating presence, seemed more curious than threatening now. Finally, Minseok broke the silence again. "If it weren''t for you two, I''d probably be dead by now, before that man appeared." Hannah, who had been quiet for a while, spoke up, her voice still shaky but with a hint of humor. "You two were so dramatic earlier." Minseok pouted, feeling a bit defensive. "Hey! We thought we were gonna die earlier, okay?" Hannah chuckled softly, and even the man seemed to rx a little. Thinking back on it, Minseok couldn''t help but feel embarrassed. "You''d be saying the same if you were in our shoes!" Jin-Hyu chimed in, irritation clear in his voice. "Chill, I''m just trying to lighten the mood," Hannahughed. "By the way, I''m Hannah. What about you two?" She extended her hand. "I''m Min-Seok," he replied, shaking her hand. They both turned to Jin-Hyu, waiting for him to introduce himself. "Jin-Hyu," he said, letting out a sigh of relief. "I''m just d we''re alive. You don''t know how scared I was¡ªI really thought we were done for." They allughed, the tension slowly melting away. But just as theughter died down, Minseok remembered something important. "Hey! Where''s my sister''s photo? Give it to me. Trying to steal my cute little sister''s photo, huh?" Jin-Hyu''s eyes widened as he quickly shoved the photo into Minseok''s face. "There! You Siscon! Tsk. I''m not interested in her, hmp." "Oh, really?" Minseok smirked, turning to Hannah. "Look at this, Hannah! Do you see how cute my sister is? She definitely got that from me!" Hannah raised an eyebrow, looking at the photo with a puzzled expression. "Eh?" Jin-Hyu suddenly burst outughing. "Hey, what''s so funny?" Minseok demanded, slightly annoyed. Jin-Hyu wiped a tear from his eye, trying to calm down. "It''s just¡­ nothing. Pffft." Before Minseok could say anything, Hannah joined in theughter. But herughter slowly turned into quiet sobs. She looked at them, her eyes brimming with tears. "I was so scared," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I really thought we were going to die back there." Without hesitating, Jin-Hyu and Minseok pulled her into a hug, holding her tightly as she cried. "It''s okay," Jin-Hyu murmured, his voice shaky butforting. "We''re safe now, I guess." As they held onto each other, Minseok''s emotions started to overflow. His voice cracked as he blurted out, "I can still buy my sister her strawberry cake¡­ I thought I''d never get the chance again." Tears streamed down his face, and beside him, Jin-Hyu sniffled. "Yeah¡­ trying to make me cry, huh? You two shoulde with me. I''ll make the best seaweed soup you''ve ever tasted." Hannah lifted her tear-streaked face from their embrace, looking at Minseok softly. "Are you okay now? Do you feel any pain?" Minseok wiped his tears and managed a small smile. "Yeah¡­ I''m fine. That was the scariest experience I''ve ever had." Still sniffling, Hannah asked, "Am I really invited?" Jin-Hyu, his eyes still watery, replied with a warm smile. "Of course. It''s also Min-Seok''s sister''s birthday." Seojun stood a short distance away, watching the scene. He raised an eyebrow in mild confusion. The trio had beenughing just moments ago, and now they were crying and hugging as if the world were ending. "What a weird group," he muttered under his breath. Laughing one minute, crying the next¡ªhad they escaped from a mental hospital or something? Was this really Earth? He still couldn''t believe it. Shaking his head, Seojun debated whether to approach or keep his distance. Watching them huddle together, crying andforting one another, his impatience grew. Clearing his throat, he finally spoke. "Are you done?" The three immediately jolted, hastily wiping away their tears. "We''re done, M-Master," Min-Seok stammered. "We''re sorry, we just got a bit emotional." Jin-Hyu and Hannah nodded in agreement, quicklyposing themselves. As they resumed walking, Seojun''s thoughts drifted back to something that had been nagging at him. He recalled the status of the dungeon boss they had just faced¡ªthe Minotaur. Dungeon Boss: Minotaur A-Rank Level: 800 Status: Angry He frowned slightly, the memory bothering him. "Isn''t that a low level?" he muttered, almost to himself. Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Out of Dungeon(Earth) They finally got out of the dungeon and into the bright sunlight. Seojun covered his eyes as the sun hit him and took in the familiar city smell. "I''m... really back," he muttered, feeling a mix of relief and disbelief. "Follow us, Master!" Hannah shouted. Min-Seok and Jin-Hyu joined her, leading the way. Seojun followed them out into the busy streets of Seoul. As he walked, Seojun saw a group of reporters crowding around someone. And noticed that this Three people looked scared especially Min-seok as if they are running from someone. Curious, Seojun followed these three away from the crowd. They ended up on a bridge over the Han River, leaning against the railing. They were breathing heavily, clearly exhausted. Seojun looked around. The bridge was a well-known part of Seoul, with the river flowing beneath and tall buildings in the distance. The sun cast long shadows, and a light breeze came from the river, making the air feel fresh. The city buzzed with activity below, but up on the bridge, it was quiet and calm. Seojun looked up at the clear blue sky, feeling the cold air on his face. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the sensation sink in. "We''re really back, System," he muttered softly. He waited, but there was no response. Opening his eyes, Seojun felt a growing unease. "System, find my mom''s location," he said again, but still, there was nothing. He called for the System several more times, but the silence only deepened his worry. What''s going on? he thought, looking around. He noticed he was near his old house. Without hesitation, he started running towards it. As he moved through the streets, he felt something was wrong with his body. His strength was fading, and each step became harder. His breath grew heavy, and exhaustion hit him like a wave. I almost forgot this feeling, he muttered to himself. Suddenly, his legs gave out, and he fell to his knees on the hard pavement. People around him nced his way but quickly looked away, continuing on their way as if nothing had happened. Seojun struggled to stay conscious, the world around him blurring. He tried to push himself up, but his body wouldn''t respond. What''s happening to me? he thought, Seojun''s vision dimmed as he struggled to stay conscious. Just as he was about to copsepletely, a woman rushed over to him. "Are you okay?" she asked, concern clear in her voice as she reached out to help him. Suddenly, a faint static sound, like an old radio, buzzed in his head. "System?" Seojun muttered, barely able to keep his eyes open. Then, clear as day, he heard it. [I''m back, Host.] "Wait, what?" Seojun whispered, confusion cutting through the haze of his fatigue. Summoning what little strength he had left, Seojun pushed himself to his feet. The woman, startled by his sudden movement, stepped back. "Hey! Let me take you to the hospital!" she called after him, her voice tinged with worry. But Seojun didn''t stop. He moved through the crowd, ignoring her shouts until she finally lost sight of him. As he navigated the busy streets, his mind raced. The System had alwaysmunicated with him through text¡ªhe had never heard it speak before. But now, there was no mistaking it. The voice in his head was clear and systematic, leaving him more confused than ever. What is going on? he wondered, the weight of the unknown pressing down on him as he continued through the city. Seojun stumbled through the streets, his mind racing. The voice he had heard moments ago, clear and unfamiliar, echoed in his thoughts. He needed a ce to gather himself, somewhere away from the busy city. Spotting a narrow, dimly lit alley, he made his way toward it. The alley was quiet, far from the noise of Seoul''s streets. Seojun leaned against the cold, rough wall, sliding down until he was sitting on the ground. Exhaustion weighed on him, making it hard to think clearly. As he sat there, trying to catch his breath, a faint glow caught his attention. The holographic screen appeared above him, flickering as if it was struggling to stay on. The familiar blue of the System''s interface greeted him, bringing a bit of relief. But the words on the screen only made him more worried at the same time it''s speaking in his head. [Adjusting to Environment... Synchronization in Progress...] Seojun squinted at the screen, trying to understand. "What do you mean, ''synchronization''?" he muttered, hoping for an exnation. The screen flickered again, the words changing slightly. [Synchronization Required for Optimal Functioning in Current Realm. Estimated Time: Unknown.] A cold knot of anxiety formed in Seojun''s chest. "System, exin this. What''s going on?" he asked, his voice echoing in the empty alley. For a moment, there was only silence. Then, the same voice he had heard before spoke directly into his mind, this time sounding urgent. [Host, the sudden return to Earth has disrupted my usual functions. The environment here is very different from the Abyss Realm. I need time to fully adapt to this world''s conditions.] Seojun felt his heart sink. The System had always been his reliable guide, but now, it was struggling, leaving him vulnerable in an unfamiliar ce. "How long will this take?" Seojun asked, trying to keep his voice steady. [I can''t give a precise time, Host. The synchronization process isplex, and this world''s conditions are unpredictable.] As he sat there, lost in thought, the holographic screen continued to disy various codes and progress bars, showing that the System was working hard to stabilize itself. The alley remained quiet, the only sound being the distant hum of the city beyond. After what felt like forever, Seojun''s breathing began to calm. He couldn''t afford to let this setback stop him. He had faced many challenges before, and this would be no different. Just then, the System''s voice returned, a hint of concern in its tone. [Host, given the current situation, it is advisable to summon Huno. You may need someone with you.] Seojun considered this for a moment. The idea of having Huno by his side brought somefort. With a deep breath, he nodded to himself. "You''ve never failed me before," Seojun said softly, his resolve hardening. The System didn''t respond right away, but after a brief pause, the voice returned, calmer this time. [Understood, Host. I will continue to adapt and restore full functionality as quickly as possible. Please proceed with caution in the meantime.] Seojun nodded again, even though he knew the System couldn''t see him. Pushing himself up from the ground, he took a deep breath, letting the cool air fill his lungs. Chapter 74: Chapter 74: Hunos new form Seojun walked down the quiet street, feeling worried. As he walked, the System''s voice spoke in his mind. It sounded serious. [Host, before you summon Huno, you should know that doing so will stop you from summoning other guardians or using any skills for now. This is because of the problems we''re having with adjusting to your world.] Seojun nodded, understanding how important this was. He needed Huno with him, even if it meant losing his other abilities for a while. "Okay, I''ll deal with it," he said out loud, though the System could hear his thoughts. Seojun called for Huno in his mind. Normally, Huno would appear right away, but this time, something felt wrong. The air stayed still, and it took a long time. Seojun started to worry. Finally, after what seemed like forever, something appeared before him. But Seojun quickly noticed something was off. "Huno?" he said, confused. Instead of Huno''s usual three-headed form, arge dog stood before him. It looked like a Rottweiler, a strong, muscr dog with a short ck coat and tan markings. The dog had a broad head and intelligent eyes that shined in the dim light. But even though it looked different, there was something familiar in the dog''s eyes that made Seojun pause. It felt like part of Huno was still there, just under the surface. The Rottweiler growled softly, not in a scary way, but as if it was trying to tell him something. Seojun frowned and stepped closer. "Huno? Is that really you?" he asked, unsure. The dog tilted its head and barked quietly. Seojun could sense that it was still Huno, even though it looked different. The System''s voice came back, softer this time. [Host, it seems Huno''s form has changed because of this world. He can revert to his original form once we finish adjusting. Please be careful.] Seojun sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He wasn''t sure what to think, but he knew he had to go along with it. "Alright, Huno, or whatever you look like right now, let''s stay together until we figure this out." The Rottweiler seemed to understand and moved closer to Seojun, standing protectively by his side. Seojun stepped out of the dark alley and onto the busy street. People kept looking at him, but he didn''t care. His focus was on getting home. Huno, in his Rottweiler form, walked beside him. As he walked, Seojun thought about his mother''s smiling face. The memory made him feel warm and determined. He continued until the crowd around him started to thin. Soon, he reached his old neighborhood. "A lot has changed," he muttered as he looked around. Huno barked and wagged his tail, trying tofort him. "You''re finally going to meet my mother, Huno," Seojun said. "Be kind to her, okay? And protect her like you protect me." Huno barked and wagged his tail, which Seojun took as a yes. They reached the gate of Seojun''s home, a traditional Korean house with a tiled roof and wooden beams. He saw some billboard around and a Tv screen he can''t understand what is the Screen all about it''s showing something like a contest more like a battle ''Is that a game?'' He thought because the fight is too much for a normal battle. then he notice the year. "2065?!" Suddenly Huno barked the house and he notice a sign on the gate. The sign read: [PROPERTY SOLD. NO TRESPASSING. PRIVATE PROPERTY. VIOLATORS WILL BE PROSECUTED.] "What is this?" Seojun muttered, frowning. Just then, he heard shouting from inside the house. Without thinking, Seojun kicked the gate open, breaking it. He rushed inside with Huno close behind. He saw five men and one girl. The men wereughing and ripped the girl blouse that is pinned down in the floor , who looked scared and crying. "Huno," Seojun said, and the Rottweiler sprang into action. Huno barked loudly and bit one of the men on the arm. The other men backed away, surprised. "Who are you?! Mind your own business!" one of the men shouted, his voice shaking. Seojun saw another man ready to punch him. He grabbed the man by the cor and lifted him off the ground. "What do you think you''re doing in my house?" Seojun shouted angrily. "Get out of here!" He threw the man into a wall, causing it to crack. The man fell to the ground, groaning. The other four men were now terrified. "He''s an Awakener! Let''s get out of here!" one of them yelled. Before they could leave, Huno bit another man''s butt. The man screamed, "Ahh! My butt! Let go, you f*cking dog!" His pants ripped, and he ran away exposing his butt that he tried to cover, followed by the others. Huno kept barking until they were gone. Seojun, still angry, looked at the girl who was hiding and crying in the corner. He saw a jacket on the ground, picked it up, and threw it to her. "Leave," he said. The girl quickly put on the jacket. "T-thank you, Sir," she said, bowing before running out of the house. Seojun sat down on a stone bench, running his fingers through his hair. Things were not as he had hoped. Instead of a peaceful homing, he found men that looks like a students trying to take advantage of a girl in his own house. Seojuny back on the stone bench, looking up at the sky. Huno whimpered beside him, worried about his master. Seojun spread his arms out and thought, "Where are you, Mom?" Huno started licking Seojun''s face gently. Seojun sat up and petted him. "I can''t stay here. Maybe Mom is nearby," he said. They got up and walked outside. Across the road, Seojun saw two students using an advanced vape. He approached them, hoping they knew something about his house. The girls backed away and looked at him like he was a freak but One of them spoke, "That house was sold five years ago." "Five years ago?" Seojun asked, surprised but trying not to show it. "What happened to thedy who used to live there?" The other girl shrugged. "No, we don''t know. Just go away, Mister. You stinks." Seojun felt frustrated but didn''t show it. He patted Huno and turned away. Just how long I''ve gone? Chapter 75: Chapter 75: The Twins Seojun walked through the neighborhood, lost in thought about his mother. His mind was racing when he suddenly heard a shout. "Seojun!" He turned around and was startled to see a man running toward him. The man threw his arms around Seojun in a tight hug, Seojun was taken aback. "Who are you?" Seojun asked, confused. The man was crying, tears streaming down his face. Before Seojun could react further, a woman who looked just like the man rushed over and hugged him too. "Alexa?" Seojun muttered, recognizing her. He hadn''t seen her in years. The woman pulled back slightly and looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "Seojun! We thought we''d never see you again!" The man nodded, still crying. "We''ve missed you so much. We tried to find you but couldn''t just where were you?!" Seojun stood there, trying to process everything. He had been searching for his mother, but now, seeing Alexa and her twin brother, he felt a mix of relief and confusion. "We need to talk," Seojun said, his voice filled with emotion. "I need to know everything that''s happened while I was gone." Alexa and her brother nodded and quickly ushered Seojun into a waiting limousine. As they settled into the luxurious vehicle, Seojun suggested, "Let''s talk at my house." Huno jumped into the car beside Seojun, making himselffortable. Alexa took the seat beside the driver, while her brother sat next to Seojun, and Huno rested on the other side. The two siblings exchanged nces and then told the butler, who was driving, to head to Seojun''s house. In the mirror, the butler asked, "Is that you, Young Master Seojun?" Seojun gave a in smile and a nod. The butler continued, "Young Master Alex and Lady Alexa were so worried and have been searching for you for five years." As the limousine made its way through his house, Seojun turned to Alex, his curiosity piqued. "I''ve been gone for five years?" Seojun said. Alex looked at him with a serious expression. "You were one of those people who vanished five years ago. The others who disappeared with you returned three years ago. They said they were inside a tower, facing monsters." Seojun was puzzled. "A tower? What do you mean?" "You didn''t came from the tower?! Then Where were you?!" Ignored, Seojun''s thoughts returned to his primary concern. "But my main priority right now is finding my mother. Do you know where she might be?" "After you vanished, Auntie Seoyang came to us," Alex exined. "We tried to find you, but three dayster, Auntie Seoyang also disappeared. Since then, we''ve been trying to find her too." Seojun''s hands gripped his hair in frustration. "Just what the heck happened?" Alexa and Alex exchanged concerned nces. Alex ced a firm hand on Seojun''s shoulders. "Calm down. We''re not stopping until we find her. Now that you''re here, we can use all our resources." "Brother is right," Alexa added. "For now, you need to know what happened over the past few years. Let''s talk inside." The limousine arrived at Seojun''s house, and they noticed the gate was broken. "You did that?" Alexa asked, her eyes widening as she looked at Seojun. Seojun didn''t answer, simply walking past her and heading inside. Huno followed closely behind, his loyalty unwavering. "Where did that doge from?" Alexa asked, ncing at Huno with curiosity. Alex shrugged. "It''s been with him since earlier. Let''s just ask himter." Alexa''s worry was evident as she turned to her brother. "I''m really concerned. Can Seojun handle all of this? What if Auntie Seoyang is¡­" Alex pulled his sister into aforting hug. "Don''t think like that," he said softly. "Seojun can handle everything. He''s smart and strong." He looked at Alexa with determination. "Remember, Seojun came from a tough background. His mother raised him on her own, struggling through difficult times. He''s used to facing challenges and oveing them." Alexa took a deep breath, feeling a bit more reassured. "You''re right. Seojun has always been strong and resourceful." Alex nodded, giving his sister a reassuring squeeze. "Exactly. We''ve seen him get through tough situations before. We''ll help him find the answers and support him every step of the way." Then Alex suddenly reached over and yfully pulled Alexa''s hair. Alexa winced in pain. "Hey! What was that for?" Alex grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "So stop acting like that. Don''t let Seojun see you so worried. He needs to see us confident and supportive." Alexa narrowed her eyes and retaliated by grabbing Alex''s hair. "So stop acting like that. Don''t let Seojun see you so worried. He needs to see us confident and supportive." Alexa mimicking Alex words let out a shout, "Ouch! Alright, alright!" Alexa dashed inside the house, leaving Alex alone in the entryway, massaging his scalp where Alexa had yfully grabbed his hair. He sighed and then turned to the butler. "Please go buy some food and drinks from the nearby convenience store," Alex ordered. As the butler went out, Alex rejoined Seojun and Alexa, who had settled on the living room floor. Seojun was deep in thought, gently petting Huno. Alexa sat down beside Seojun, trying to get his attention. "Seojun?" Seojun looked up, his gaze distant. "Where''s Alex?" "Here," Alex said, entering the room and sitting on a rock in front of Seojun. He nced around and then addressed Seojun. "Where do you want me to start?" Seojun looked at Alex without any visible emotion. Alexa chuckled awkwardly and gave Alex a yful p on the shoulder. "Come on, brother, of course, start with what happened when he disappeared." "Oh, right," Alex said, scratching his nape. Seojun changed a lot he thoighy Alexa pouted how cold she thought Alex looked at Alexa and then back at Seojun, realizing that his sister was right. He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to exin theplex events of the past five years. "Five years ago..." Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Five years ago Five years ago, a sudden and eerie phenomenon began: people started disappearing without exnation. Seojun was the first to vanish. As days passed by more individuals followed, and within just seven days, the world''s poption dwindled drastically. Three days after the initial disappearances, when a massive crack appeared in the sky and ck holes everywhere.. From this tear in the fabric of the heavens and Holes, countless monsters began to descend upon Earth. The invasion was not limited to Korea; other countries were simrly overwhelmed. Humanity was pushed to the brink of extinction. The next two days as creatures overwhelmed cities and towns. A massive white screen materialized in the sky, apanied by a System notification that captured the attention of the surviving few. [ATTENTION ALL SURVIVORS A CATASTROPHIC EVENT HAS UNFOLDED] "What''s that?!" one survivor shouted, eyes wide as the screen flickered on. "The crack in the sky... It''s getting worse, isn''t it?" a man asked, his voice shaky with fear. "We barely made it through two days of those monsters¡ªwhat more could happen?" a woman said, clutching her head in disbelief. "This can''t be happening... Are we done for?" another survivor whispered, ncing around frantically. "Is it gonna get worse? I don''t think we can handle more!" someone cried out, their voice breaking. "God, what is this?!" [EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, TIME HAS BEEN HALTED FOR ALL MONSTERS.] the systematic voice echoed through the air. For a moment, there was silence as the words sank in. Then, a wave of disbelief rippled through the survivors. "Wait... did it just say the monsters are frozen?" one man whispered, peeking out from behind the barricade they had built over the past two days. "Is it real? Are they really not moving anymore?" someone else murmured, too afraid to trust the announcement fully. Inside one of the boarded-up buildings, a group huddled near the windows. They had been hiding for two days, blocking doors and windows with furniture, barely daring to breathe. Now, cautiously, one of them moved toward a crack in the makeshift barricade to peek outside. "They''re just... standing there," she said, her voice a mix of awe and hesitation. "Frozen? Completely?" another person asked, scrambling to the window for a look. Several survivors who had been hiding inside for days ventured out cautiously, looking at the screen hanging ominously in the sky. One by one, more people emerged from their barricaded shelters, some rubbing their eyes in disbelief. A man outside, who had been watching a grotesque monster pace outside his door for hours, finally stepped out, eyes wide with hope. "It''s not moving," he breathed, almostughing. "It''s not moving anymore!" "You think it''s safe now? Can we really walk past them?" a woman asked, eyeing a giant creature that had been terrorizing the area, nowpletely still. "Maybe we should check..." a younger survivor said, inching closer to one of the monsters that had been blocking the street. He hesitated, then reached out toward it, his hand trembling. He paused, before pulling back quickly. "I can''t believe it. They''re... actually frozen." A collective sigh of relief spread through the area as more survivors realized the monsters were halted. But relief was still tinged with doubt. "How long do we have? What if they start moving again?" someone said, voicing the fear everyone shared. "I don''t know, but for now, we can finally breathe," another survivor replied, sitting down for the first time in what felt like forever. "We''ve got to make use of this time while we can," someone else said, looking around. "Gather supplies. Reinforce the barricades. We don''t know when this will end." There was still fear, but for the first time in days, a flicker of hope pierced the suffocating air. [THE SYSTEM WILL NOW ASSIST IN YOUR SURVIVAL], The loud systematic voices As the system''s message echoed across the sky, three men at the back of the crowd exchanged uneasy nces. "Why should we listen to that thing?" one of them scoffed. "We''ve survived two days of this hell on our own." The second man nodded in agreement. "This could be a trap. We don''t know what that thing really is." The third, more anxious, looked around nervously. "Let''s get out of here. If the monsters are frozen, now''s our chance to find somewhere safe. We can''t trust this system." Without waiting for a response from the rest, they turned and started to move, heading for a nearby alley, away from the screen and the crowd. A few others called after them, "Hey! Don''t go! You heard what it said! It can help us!" But they kept walking, their fear driving them away from the growing group of survivors. One of them turned his head, sneering. "I''m not about to let some voice control me. We''ve been fine without it so far." They picked up the pace, but just as they were about to disappear into the shadows of the alley, a loud warning came from the sky. [YOU HAVE IGNORED THE SYSTEM''S DIRECTIVES. THIS IS YOUR FINAL WARNING.] One of the menughed nervously. "Final warning? Screw this. Let''s go¡ª" Before he could finish his sentence, a sharp, blinding light shot down from the sky, striking him in the back. His body convulsed violently, his scream echoing through the streets as theser burned through him, leaving a smoking, gaping hole in his chest. He copsed to the ground, his body limp and lifeless. The other two froze in horror, their eyes wide as they watched their friend die in front of them. "W-what the hell¡ª" the second man barely had time to react before anotherser pierced through his skull, his body crumpling to the ground in an instant, blood pooling beneath him. The third man, nowpletely panicked, tried to run, his feet stumbling over debris in his desperation. But it was toote. A finalser shot down, striking him directly in the head. His body hit the ground with a sickening thud, his head barely recognizable from the searing heat of the attack. The rest of the survivors stood frozen in shock, watching as the smoke rose from the charred bodies. Silence fell over the crowd as they realized the system was not ying games. The system spoke once more, its voice cold and merciless: [LET THIS SERVE AS A REMINDER. THOSE WHO DO NOT FOLLOW THE SYSTEM WILL SUFFER THE SAME FATE.] Small, redser dots hovered over the heads of a few others, a silent threat for anyone else who dared to disobey. After the shocking scene of the three men''s deaths, a heavy silence fell over the survivors. Chapter 77: Chapter 77: Awakening of the System No one dared to move or speak. The fear was palpable. Then, the screen flickered back to life, and the cold, mechanical voice echoed through the streets once more. [THE SYSTEM WILL NOW ASSIST IN YOUR SURVIVAL.] It repeated. The screen then change and disyed a list of new skills and abilities. Survivors, initially skeptical, began to grasp the gravity of this assistance. They wondered how these new powers would help thembat the monstrous threat. (New rules apply) Monster Encounters: Prepare for frequent attacks once time resumes. Survivors exchanged worried nces. The monsters might be paused now, but the knowledge of their impending return was daunting. (Cooperation: Form alliances with other survivors to enhance your chances of survival.) Individuals who had been isted now saw the necessity of working together. Forming alliances seemed both a practical and emotional need in the face of shared danger. (Survivors hiding and on the brink of death will feel a sudden surge of energy.) As energy surged through the weakened survivors, many felt overwhelmed by the sudden restoration. The miracle of recovery was met with a mix of astonishment and cautious hope. (Divine beings have arrived to aid you.) The arrival of gods and their blessings brought a sense of awe and reverence. Survivors were both relieved and curious about how these divine interventions would impact their fight against the monsters. (Follow the System''s guidance to adapt to the new reality.) With the System''s instructions in mind, people began to strategize and adapt. The screen''s updates were crucial, guiding their survival in this new and dangerous world. (Remain vignt. Your actions will determine the fate of humanity.) The final message was a sobering reminder of their responsibility. Survivors knew their choices would shape the future, and the weight of this realization was heavy on their shoulders. Suddenly, a wave of shock ripples through the crowd. Some people stumble and fall, overwhelmed by the sudden appearance of the system message in front of them. [System Notification] NEW QUEST: SURVIVE FOR 1 HOUR The Quest notification started materializing in front of each other , Now they have their very own screen with the Huge Screen above. Objective: Survive for 1 Hour amidst the chaos. Failure to Complete: Severe consequences will follow if you do not endure for the full hour. Rewards for Completion: - Blessings from the Gods: Surviving the hour will grant you blessings from the gods, providing additional aid and guidance on your journey. - Crack Closure: Sessfullypleting the quest will close the massive crack in the sky, reducing the threat of monsters and stabilizing the world. Across the globe, the sudden appearance of the new system notification caused a flurry of activity. People in every corner of the world were staring at their screens, bewildered and overwhelmed by the unexpected announcement. The murmur of confusion and spection rose as individuals began to navigate their new reality. [System Notification] NEW FEATURE UNLOCKED: STATUS AND STARTED PACK You can now view your status and allocate your free starter points. In addition, a starter pack has been provided to aid you in the uing challenges. 1. View Your Status ess your current status, including health, skills, and other vital information. 2. Allocate Free Starter Points Points:Distribute your free starter points to enhance your attributes and skills ording to your preferences. 3. Starter Pack: Dagger: A basic yet reliable weapon. Bottle of Water: Essential for hydration. Basic Rations: Includes a small amount of food. First Aid Kit: For immediate medical needs. Map of the Area: Helps navigate your surroundings. INSTRUCTIONS: Open your status screen to review and adjust your attributes. Use your free starter points to improve your strengths. ess your starter pack and equip the items as needed. In the crowded urban area, a group of people huddled around their screens, their faces a mix of fear and determination. The atmosphere was tense as they navigated their newfound abilities. "I''m putting all my points into strength," one person dered, his voice filled with resolve. "If we''re going to survive, we need to be able to fight off this Monsters! We can''t just die without a fight!" "Wait, what is this?" another eximed, ncing at their screen. "It feels just like a game." "Yeah, it''s like Ethereal Online." someone else chimed in, disbelief etched on their face. "How is this even happening?" "No way! That''s impossible." a third person shouted, shaking their head in disbelief. "Look at our status. We only have agility, stamina, strength, and mana." "Is this some sort of twisted joke?" another voice quivered. "This can''t be real." "I don''t care anymore what matters is to survive," the first person insisted, frustration creeping into his tone. "We need to use these points wisely. I''m not going to end up like those three guys we saw earlier." "What if we can level up like in the game?" someone asked, their eyes lighting up with a glimmer of hope. "Maybe we can actually be stronger and fight back!" "Yeah, but what if we get stuck like this forever?" a woman murmured, her voice trembling. People around started arguing and some is quiet thinking carefully where to allocate their points. "No, stamina is more important!" another argues. "We need tost the whole hour, and being able to keep going is crucial." A third person chimes in, "Agility will help us dodge attacks. I''m focusing on that." "Mana is important too," someone else insists. "We don''t know what kind of abilities we might need, so having mana could be a game-changer." The arguments continue to escte, each person defending their choice with increasing intensity. The discussion is chaotic, with everyone trying to make the best decision under pressure. [WARNING!] Suddenly, a sharp, insistent warning sound cuts through the noise, drawing everyone''s attention. [SYSTEM NOTIFICATION] QUEST WILL START SURVIVE FOR 1 HOUR! The quest will be starting in 10... 9... 8... Panic and urgency grip the crowd as people quickly make their final adjustments. The remaining time dwindles, and the reality of the impending challenge sets in. With seconds left, everyone braces themselves for the test ahead, their decisions made in haste as the countdown continues. Chapter 78: Chapter 78: About Rankings As the countdown on the massive screens hits zero, the message changes to: 3... 2... 1... Ding! [QUEST STARTED] The quest has officially begun. You have one hour to survive. Suddenly, green circles of light appear on the ground, spreading out rapidly. These circles are Safe Zones. [System Notification] SAFE ZONES ACTIVATED Description: The green circles are Safe Zones. Inside these zones: - Monsters cannot attack you. You are safe from harm. - Each Safe Zone has a time limit before it disappears and reappears in a different location. People quickly spot the Safe Zones and rush towards them, eager for safety. Once inside, they feel a momentary sense of relief, protected from the danger outside. The Safe Zones have a timer that shows how long they will remain active. They also pop up randomly, so you need to keep an eye out for them as they can appear anywhere. In the Safe Zones, people start discussing their strategies, using their starter points, and preparing for the next hour. Outside the zones, the danger remains, and everyone knows they have to act fast to stay safe and make it through the challenge. "And that''s how humanity survive" Alex muttered while they''re eating the foods and drinks that the butler bought. Alexa followed "After that, some survivors were blessed by the gods and received special advantages. Even those without blessings managed to make it through. The crack in the sky closed, and humanity began rebuilding. Although monster waves continued to appear, humanity was prepared and managed to hold their ground." "Over the years, the system kept upgrading and we called it Global System that now run the world also Look at this, Status!" Alex then disys his status on a blue screen [Status] Name: Alex Ford Rank A ss: Spearmaster Title: Heir Of Valor Spear Strength: A Stamina: B Agility: B Mana: C Status: Skills Disabled, Cursed by the Specters grasp Seojun studies the screen, puzzled. Why does their status look so different from mine? And What? His Curse? Alex exins, "The ranking system is as follows: F is the lowest, then D, E, C, B, A, and the highest is S. It measures our abilities and progress." Alexa also showed her status [Status] Name: Alexa Ford Rank A ss: Rogue (Dual Wielder) Title: Dual de Vixen Strength: B Stamina: B Agility: A Mana: B Status: Skills disabled, Cursed by the specters grasp "You should definitely have a status, Try it." Seojun follows Alex''s example and says, "Status." A screen appears before Seojun, but Alex and Alexa can''t see it. Alexa mutters, "Nothing? How is that possible? You''re a returnee, and all returnees have high ranks." They can''t see this? Seojun Thought and he called system in his mind. Ding! Synchronization Complete [Synchronization is finished. You may now proceed with your status and any required updates.] WARNING: Intrusion Attempt Detected [Something is trying to ess the host space and has attempted to enter but was sessfully repelled.] ''You''re back'' , Seojun Thought [Yes host,] System responded then Alex stands up decisively. "Let''s go, Seojun! We need to sort this out. Besides, it''s required byw." "Whatw?" Seojun asks. "There''s aw here that everyone must take a ssification test to get officially ranked. You also need an identity card," Alexa exins. She shows him a silver card with Rank A on it. "This card is not just a rank¡ªit''s also an identity card that you need to carry everywhere you go." Seojun is swiftly guided by Alex and Alexa to a sleek limousine waiting. Huno follows closely, barking asionally. As they all climb into the limousine, Alexa nces at Huno and asks, "Is that your dog, Seojun?" "Yeah, I just found him somewhere," Seojun exins as they settle into their seats. Alexa nods thoughtfully. "You should get him a cor. Pets aren''t as safe as they used to be. Animals have evolved¡ªsome have be monsters, and others have turned into magical beast that can serve as familiars." Seojun acknowledges her advice with a nod as the limousine''s engine roars to life. He looks out the window, observing the busy streets of Seoul, now teeming with both people and the evolved creatures Alexa mentioned. "Where are we going?" Seojun asks, curious. "To the Awakeners Association," Alex replies. "It''s the only official Awakeners Association in Korea. It''s a central hub for all things rted to awakening, including ranking, training, and regtions. They handle everything from ssification tests to managing issues rted to curses and abilities." The limousine weaves through the congested streets, heading toward a towering building in the heart of Seoul. The Awakeners Association Guild is a grand structure, standing out with its modern architecture and fortified design, reflecting its importance and role in the new world order. As the limousine pulled up to the Awakeners Association Guild, Seojun looked out at the tall, impressive building. It had a modern design with lots of ss and strong, protective features. Above the entrance was a huge digital screen showing amercial. The limousine stopped, and Seojun, Alex, and Alexa got out and approached the revolving doors. As they stepped inside, Seojun saw themercial on the big screen: Commercial Voiceover: "Wee to the Awakeners Association! Here, we help you unlock and enhance your abilities. Whether you''re new to awakening or a seasoned pro, we offer top-notch training, ssification tests, and support." Scenes shed across the screen showing people training in advanced facilities,bat simtions, and personal coaching. "Remember, it''s thew that everyone who reaches the age of awakening must be tested at the Association. You can either receive a blessing from the gods or go through our rigorous ssification tests. This ensures that everyone is properly ranked and receives the appropriate support and resources." The screen then disyed a ranking chart: F: Lowest Rank Gray Card E D Bronze Card for E,D And C C Rank B Silver card for B&A Rank A S: Highest Rank Gold Card "Your rank will determine the level of support and opportunities avable to you. The ssification test assesses your abilities and assigns you a rank. The higher your rank, the more resources and support you get. Aim high and achieve greatness with the Awakeners Association!" Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Bored but why? Seojun followed Alex and Alexa into the grand foyer of the Awakeners Association, with Huno trotting faithfully behind him. The association interior was as impressive as its exterior, featuring polished marble floors, high ceilings, and an atmosphere of professionalism. As they approached the main desk, a staff member with a sour expression came up to Seojun. His uniformcked a name tag and his displeasure was evident. "Why are you sticking so close to Ms. Alexa?" the staff member whispered, his voice dripping with disdain. "Don''t you know who they are?" Seo-jun that is suddenly starting to get bored for some reason and ignored him but the staff member grabbed his arm, trying to pull him away. Seojun stood his ground, his face calm and curious. Huno began to growl softly, sensing the tension. Despite the staff member''s efforts, Seojun didn''t move. The staff member''s face reddened with frustration. "What the¡ª" he muttered, failing to move Seojun. "Why aren''t you moving?" Nearby guild members started murmuring, their voices growing louder. "Look at him," one person said, nudging another. "He looks like he''s been living on the streets." "I can''t believe he''s trying to follow Ms. Alexa and Mr. Alex. He must be one of those Ford Twins fans," another whispered, casting a disapproving nce at Seojun. "It''s obvious he doesn''t know the rules of the Awakeners Association." The staff member''s frustration reached its peak as he realized he couldn''t force Seojun to move. Just then, a higher-ranking staff member approached, her face set in an angry scowl. "Why are you still here?" she demanded. "Get that homeless man out of here before Ms. Alexa and Mr. Alex see him!" "Yes, Ma''am!" the staff member responded, quickly letting go of Seojun and stepping back. "I''m sorry. I''ll take care of it immediately." The higher staff turned on her heel, clearly dissatisfied. Seojun remained silent, his gaze steady and unfazed. Alex and Alexa, engrossed in their own conversation, remained unaware of themotion behind them. Seojun took a deep breath. As Alex and Alexa continued through the bustling lobby of the Awakeners Association, a woman suddenly leaped onto their shoulders with a cheerful shout. "Yo! What''s up, twins?!" Alex and Alexa looked up in surprise. Recognizing the woman, Alexa rolled her eyes, while Alex''s face lit up with a wide grin. "Oh,e on, dear Alexa, can''t you greet me with a bit more enthusiasm?" the woman said, yfully ruffling Alex''s hair. "Look at Alex here!" "Whatever," Alexa said with a sigh. "Why are you here again, anyway?" the woman asked. "Just taking our friend," Alex replied lightly. "Anyway, meet Seoj¡ª" Alex turned around and realized Seojun was no longer behind them. "Seoj? What?" Alexa and Alex exchanged worried nces. "He was just here!" Alexa said, starting to look around the lobby. The woman scratched her cheek, observing the scene with a carefree attitude. "What does he look like?" she asked, casually leaning on the main desk and grabbing a candy. "Uh, 5''9" tall, brown hair, blue eyes, and wearing torn, dirty clothes," Alexa described urgently. "Argh! Where did you go, Seojun?" "Did he have a dog with him?" the woman asked, popping the candy into her mouth. "Yes!" the twins answered in unison. "Ah, then he''s the one your staff was bullying," the woman said with a smirk, pointing with her lips toward themotion. "What?!" Alexa shouted, her voice echoing through the lobby. Without another word, she and Alex sprinted through the crowd, searching for Seojun. As Alexa and Alex pushed through the crowd, the woman leaned in at the main desk. "So, need some help?" she asked with a yful tone. Alex stopped, surprised. "Yeah, thanks, Seoha." "Anything for you, love," Seo-ha said with a wink. "Just Hurry up, Seo-ha!" Alexa shouted. Seo-haughed and said, "I should get a reward for this." She then released a strong aura that made the crowd part instantly. Seo-ha''s presence wasmanding; she had a muscr yet graceful body, giving her a powerful, goddess-like appearance. As she walked, the crowd''s whispers grew louder. "It''s the Mad Queen!" "She''s here!" "Get out of the way, it''s the Mad Queen!" People quickly moved aside, intimidated. Amidst this, Seo-jun effortlessly dodged a staff member''s attacks with minimal effort. He moved with a bored expression, avoiding the staff''s clumsy strikes as if they were no trouble at all. With a simple motion, Seojun extended his foot, making the staff member lose his bnce and fall face-first to the ground. The staff member, now enraged, began using his skills, but Alexa''s voice cut through the noise. "What do you think you''re doing?" The whispers grew louder. "Oh-oh, Ms. Alexa is here!" "Wait, isn''t that the Mad Queen?!" The staff member, now on the floor, scrambled to his feet, straightening his uniform with a mix of anger and embarrassment. He pointed at Seojun with a trembling finger. "This homeless person is following you, Ms. Alexa, and started making a scene!" he shouted. "I was just trying to get him out peacefully, but he tried to hit me!" Alex and Seo-ha, who had just arrived, raised their eyebrows in surprise. "That''s not what we saw," Seo-ha said with augh. The staff member''s face turned pale as he took in Seo-ha''s imposing presence. He started stuttering, clearly shaken. Alex and Alexa hurried towards Seojun, their concern evident. "Are you okay, Seojun?!" Alex asked urgently. "Did our staff do something to you?!" Alexa added, her voice filled with worry. "Y-You know him, Ms. Alexa?" The staff asked but ignored Seojun yawned and waved a hand dismissively. "He''s just entertaining me. Don''t worry about it. Where are we going now?" He sounded bored, his eyes half-closed as if the whole situation were just another minor inconvenience. Huno sat happily beside him, his tongue hanging out contentedly. Seo-ha smiled at the scene, though the smile was more unsettling. "Now, do you still want to stay here?" She nced at the crowd, which had grown uneasy from her presence. The people around them shivered, their earlier excitement reced by a tense silence. Alex and Alexa exchanged nces and then nodded. "Let''s go," Alex said, taking the lead. "We''ll handle thister," Alexa said, giving the staff a meaningful look. The staff, realizing his fate, fell to his knees, feeling doomed. Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Seoha Seojun followed Alex and Alexa into the elevator, leaving the chaos behind them. The doors slid shut with a soft ding, sealing off the noise from the lobby. Alex and Alexa exchanged a look before turning to Seojun, their expressions tinged with embarrassment. Alex was the first to speak. "We''re really sorry about what happened back there," he said, his voice filled with regret. "Our staff should have known better than to treat you like that." Alexa nodded, her brows furrowed. "It''s our responsibility to ensure that everyone who enters the guild is treated with respect. We deeply apologize for their behavior." Seojun, who had been leaning against the elevator wall with his arms crossed, shrugged nonchntly. "It''s no big deal. I''ve dealt with worse." Huno, sensing the change in atmosphere, nudged Seojun''s leg with one of his heads, and Seojun reached down to scratch behind Huno''s ear, soothing both the dog and himself. "Still," Alexa continued, "we don''t want you to think poorly of the Awakeners Association because of a few bad apples. We''ll make sure it doesn''t happen again." Seojun nced at them, his expression softening slightly. "I appreciate that. But like I said, don''t worry too much. It''s not worth it." The soft hum of the elevator''s movement was the only sound, but the charged silence between the group was palpable. Seojun could still feel Seo-ha''s gaze on him. He nced sideways and, sure enough, caught her staring at him with that same mischievous glint in her eyes. She didn''t bother to hide her interest; if anything, she seemed to enjoy making him ufortable. Their eyes met, and Seojun, refusing to back down, held her gaze with steady resolve. Before the silent exchange could go any further, Alexa stepped in, immediately pulling Seojun closer to her side. "Stop it, Seo-ha!" Alexa said, her voice a mix of irritation and warning. She red at Seo-ha, who merely chuckled in response. "Oh,e on, Alexa, don''t be so uptight," Seo-ha teased, draping her arm over Seojun''s shoulder again. "I like him. Where did you find this interesting boy?" She winked at Seojun, clearly amused by the situation, while Seojun frowned, not appreciating being treated like a curiosity. Alex, noticing Seojun''s difort, slowly but firmly pulled him away from Seo-ha. "He''s our friend, Seo-ha," Alex said, his tone calm but with an underlying seriousness. "He''s not a toy." Alex''s smile was friendly on the surface, but there was something unsettling about it, something that made Seo-ha pause. "Grrr, you really do hide your devil well, don''t you, Alex?" Seo-ha muttered, her yful demeanor cooling as she removed her arm from Seojun''s shoulder. Her eyes narrowed slightly, the yful glint fading into something more cautious. "Only when necessary," Alex replied smoothly, his smile never faltering. Alexa, still holding onto Seojun''s arm, shot Seo-ha another re. "Just leave him alone, Seo-ha. We don''t need any of your games right now." Seo-ha raised her hands in mock surrender, a grin returning to her face. "Fine, fine. I''ll behave¡­ for now." She leaned back against the elevator wall, her eyes still on Seojun but less intense. As the elevator hummed softly, Seojun yawned ncing over at Seo-ha, who was now leaning casually against the wall, whistling with her hands stuffed into her pockets. Despite her rxed posture, her presence was anything but ordinary. Seo-ha was the same height as Seojun, with a muscr yet incredibly sexy and athletic body that could easily catch anyone''s eye. Her short hair framed a face that was both sharp and yful, and her red eyes gleamed with a hint of something wild. Even without speaking, she exuded an aura of raw strength, though Seojun could tell that while she was powerful, she wasn''t strong enough to pose a real threat to him. What intrigued him more was the subtle, crazy vibe she gave off¡ªlike someone who enjoyed walking the fine line between chaos and control. Seojun yawned, feeling a slight twinge of boredom despite the interestingpany. His thoughts drifted to wondering about Seo-ha''s level, curious if her strength matched the energy she projected. Just as he was pondering this, a system notification blinked into his view. [System Notification: Attempting to Appraise a Being in This New develop Earth...] The notification hovered for a moment, and then another line appeared beneath it: [System Adjustment in Progress¡­ Please Wait...] Seojun''s curiosity deepened, but he remained outwardly calm. As the elevator continued its smooth ascent, Seojun couldn''t help but yawn again, his eyelids drooping slightly. The soft hum of the elevator and the steady motion made it hard to stay fully alert. When he nced to the side, he noticed Alexa watching him closely, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and nostalgia. She smiled warmly, tilting her head slightly as if reminiscing. "Howe you still look like you''re 18 years old?" she asked, a hint of teasing in her tone. "But I can tell you''ve matured a bit." There was a soft chuckle in her voice as she observed him, her gaze lingering on his familiar yet subtly changed features. Seojun returned the smile, though it was faint, as if he didn''t quite know how to respond. Before he could say anything, Alex, who had been quiet, turned his attention toward Seojun. He stepped back slightly, allowing his eyes to roam over Seojun from head to toe, taking in every detail of his appearance. "You really haven''t changed much," Alex said, his voice thoughtful. "But¡­ there''s something different about you now." His gaze was sharp, as if he was trying to piece together something that didn''t quite fit. Seojun''s smile widened slightly as he replied, "A lot happened," his tone casual, almost dismissive. Inwardly, he considered telling them about the 500 years he had spent in the Abyss, battling creatures and enduring hardships that reshaped him in ways he still hadn''t fully processed. But as he looked at Alex and Alexa, he decided against it. That part of his journey was too distant, too removed from the present to be worth sharing. They didn''t need to know about the endless darkness he had faced or the time that had passed. It wasn''t something that could be easily understood or exined in a few words. Seojun nced at Alex and Alexa with a gentle smile. "And you two look more mature than thest time I saw you." Alex scratched the back of his neck, a small, sheepish grin forming on his face. "Well, it''s been five years. We''re 23 years old now," he said, chuckling softly. "I''m d you two are fine," Seojun replied, his eyes drifting to the floor number disy on the elevator. The numbers ticked upward, but the atmosphere in the small space was warm and familiar. Suddenly, a soft sniffle broke the silence. Seojun turned his head to see Alexa trying¡ªand failing¡ªto cover her tears. Before he could react, she quickly moved forward and wrapped her arms around him, burying her face against his chest. "We''re really d you''re back," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. Seojun at first hesitated then hugged Alexa back, the embraceforting and full of unspoken words. They were the only person that help him and his Mom in Difficult times and The only person that stay true to him. Just then, the elevator doors slid open. Seo-ha, who had been standing in the corner with her hands in her pockets, coughed lightly to get their attention. A yful smirk danced on her lips as she whispered loud enough for everyone to hear, "I should''ve taken a video. It''s rare to see Alexa cry like this. Hehe¡­" Alexa pulled back from the hug, quickly wiping her tears away, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Shut up, Seo-ha," she muttered, but there was no malice in her words¡ªonly the warmth of an old friend being teased. Chapter 81: Chapter 81: System VS System "This is the Evaluation Floor," Alexa began, gesturing to the various rooms they passed. Each door had a glowing sign above it, indicating its purpose. "This ce is divided into different sections, each dedicated to testing and training a specific stat. We''ve got rooms for speed, strength and agility and even a few more specialized areas." Seojun nced at the signs as they passed. Strength Training Room, Agility Test Chamber, mana Amplification Suite, Familiar training center and more¡ªeach room seemed to pulse with energy, as if the very walls were alive with the power they were meant to test. Alexa continued, clearly enjoying her role as the guide. "For each stat, there''s a specialized training room where you can push yourself to the limit. These rooms are equipped with thetest technology, all synced to the Global System." She continued, while Seo-jun looking around. "Well, as we said earlier. It''s the system that governs all Awakeners'' data worldwide. Every test you take, every battle you fight, every stat increase¡ªit''s all monitored and recorded by the Global System. It keeps track of your rank and makes sure everything''s fair across the board." Alex chimed in, his tone more serious. "The Global System is the reason why rankings are so urate. No one can cheat it, and it constantly updates based on your performance. Once you''ve been scanned, your current stats and rank will be disyed for everyone to see." Alexa then pointed ahead, where arger, more imposing door stood at the end of the hall. Above it, the sign read ''Full-Body Assessment Chamber'' "This is where you''ll start," she said, excitement bubbling in her voice. "You''ll enter the Full-Body Scan and the Global System will do aplete scan of your body. It''ll measure everything¡ªyour strength, agility, mana capacity, even your potential. Once it''s done, your stats will be disyed, and your rank will be updated ordingly." Seojun listened. He was curious to see how this Global System would evaluate him now. "Are you nervous?" Alex teased, nudging Seojun with his elbow. "Not really. Just curious." Alexa giggled, her excitement still palpable. "I bet you''re going to score high! Maybe even higher than us." Seojun nced at her, noticing the glint of challenge in her eyes. "hmm?" As Seojun stepped into the Full-Body Scanner, his thoughts briefly drifted to Alex and Alexa. They had always been wealthy, but seeing the scale of this facility¡ªits advanced technology and the seamless integration with the Global System¡ªmade him realize that they had likely be even more prosperous over the years. ''This ce¡­ they must have invested a fortune into it'' Seojun thought, ncing around the sleek, metallic walls that pulsed with faint energy. Before he could dwell too much on the thought, a sudden notification shed in his mind, catching him off guard. [System Notification: An unknown entity is attempting to enter the Host''s space.] [System Notification: Intrusion sessfully repelled.] The message disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared, but it left Seojun on edge. Before he could fully process it, another one popped up. [System Notification: An unknown entity is attempting to enter the Host''s space.] [System Notification: Intrusion sessfully repelled.] This repeated several more times, each time the entity was sessfully blocked, Seojun narrowed his eyes at the notifications, the tension in his body growing with each failed intrusion attempt. What could possibly be trying to force its way into his space? Alex''s voice broke through his thoughts. "Hey, you ready? Just step forward and hold your palm out in front of the crystal ball. It''ll do the rest." Seojun held out his right hand towards the floating crystal ball as Alex instructed. A scanner appeared in the air and began scanning him from head to toe, over and over again. Alexa frowned, whispering, "It''s taking too long this time..." Just then, the crystal ball started making a high-pitched noise and suddenly exploded, sending a burst of energy throughout the room. Alexa screamed, "W-what happened?! Are you okay, Seojun?!" Alex also shouted, "Seojun, are you alright?!" But before they could get close to him, a white screen appeared above them with a loud *ding!* It showed a message in bright red: [Error: Scan Failed] Then another warning popped up: [Warning: Anomalous Data Detected] The tension in the room grew as everyone stared at the screen. Suddenly, the screen disyed new words: [Initiating Full System Override...] Seojun''s system immediately responded in his mind: [System Notification: The Global System is trying to override your protections. Defensive measures are engaged.] "What''s going on?!" Alexa said, her voice shaking. "This has never happened before!" Before Seojun could answer, the shattered pieces of the crystal ball began to swirl around him, forming a bright vortex of light. The energy in the room grew intense, and the walls vibrated. Then, the vortex shot towards Seojun, merging with him in a sh of light. The ground shook, and both Alex and Alexa were knocked down, while Seoha watched with a smirk. As the light faded, the screen above them showed one final message: [Global System Error: Full Scan Protocol Failed. Unable to Override.] [Emergency Procedure Activated: Reattempting Full Scan with Enhanced Protocols...] Seojun felt a surge of energy flow through him, but his system quickly pushed back, severing the connection. The screen flickered and then went ck,pletely shutting down the Global System''s attempt. In the silence that followed, Alex, Alexa, and Seoha stared at Seojun in shock. Seoha finally broke the silence with a chuckle, "Well, Seojun, you''ve certainly made things interesting." Seojun exhaled, keeping his focus on where the crystal ball had been. "It looks like the Global System isn''t used to someone like me." Just as they thought it was over, the scanner started again, this time working more smoothly. After several more scans, it finally seeded. A gray card appeared, floating in the air in front of Seojun. He reached out and took it. The card disyed his name. Name: Han Seojun NON-AWAKENED(Rank F) Age: 23 Sex: Male Strength: F Stamina: F Agility: F Mana: F Alexa blinked in confusion. "F rank? That doesn''t make sense..." Alex looked equally puzzled. "There must be a mistake. He could even be higher or Rank E!" Seojun stared at the card. I''m 23 years old now? he thought and sighed. The system scan hadbeled him as the weakest rank possible¡ªF, a Non-awakened. He slipped the card into his pocket, deciding to keep his true abilities hidden for now. Chapter 82: Chapter 82: F Rank Non-Awakened Seojun walked over to Alex and Alexa, who were now talking to a staff member responsible for the Full-Body Scan Room. The staff member looked flustered, repeatedly ncing at the broken crystal ball as Alexa keep asking him cannot ept the result. As Seojun approached, he could hear the worry in Alexa''s voice. "This can''t be right! His rank should be the same as ours, or even higher!" Alexa was saying, her face filled with confusion and frustration. Seojun ced a hand on both of their shoulders, offering them a reassuring smile. "It''s fine, Alexa" he said calmly. "But!" Alexa began, her eyes wide with disbelief. "This can''t be! Yes, you were weak before, but you''ve changed so much since then you dissapeared. You should have a higher rank, not this!" Seojun kept his tone steady as he responded, "You just said earlier that the Global System is so urate that you can''t cheat in it." "But this doesn''t make sense!" Alexa insisted, her frustration mounting. Alex noticed his sister''s growing anxiety and gently ced a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down, sis," Alex said softly. "Inhale, exhale... Yeah, that''s right. Inhale, exhale." He demonstrated the breathing exercise, taking slow, deep breaths, and Alexa followed his lead, trying to steady herself. After a few moments, she seemed to regain someposure, though she was still clearly upset. Alex then handed her over to Seoha, who was watching the whole scene with a calm, almost amused expression. As Alex turned his attention to Seojun, he stepped closer, his face serious. "Seojun," he said, his voice low, "I know you''ve been through a lot before your dissapearance, but this... This doesn''t add up. What happened in there?" Seojun looked at Alex, seeing the concern in his eyes. "The Global System did what it was supposed to do," Seojun replied. "It scanned me, and these are the results." Alex furrowed his brow, clearly unsatisfied with the answer. "But you''re not just anyone. You''ve changed, You should be stronger now since you''re also a returnee ¡ªso why would the system rank you as F? Non-awakened, even?" As Alex talked with the staff, his voice was calm and focused. He wasn''t worried; he was just going over the details of getting Seojun''s identification and other things sorted out. Seojun, on the other hand, was barely listening. He felt a yawning on but held it back, not really interested in all the paperwork stuff. Instead, Seojun''s attention wandered to something else. Above the heads of the people around him, he noticed strange symbols¡ªlike little eye shapes floating in the air. They were easy to miss if you weren''t looking for them, but once he noticed, he couldn''t stop thinking about them. ''What are those?'' he wondered, staring at the symbols. Right on cue, his system responded.. [The symbols you see are connected to the Global System. They show that a person is being tracked by it.] ''Tracked?'' Seojun thought, frowning slightly. ''So, the system is keeping an eye on everyone?'' [Yes. The eye symbol means the Global System is monitoring these people. It keeps track of their stats, abilities, and rank, recording everything.] Seojun didn''t like the sound of that, but he wasn''t surprised either. Systems like this always wanted control, always needed to watch everything. He decided to ask his system about the adjustments it had mentioned earlier. [All adjustments have beenpleted sessfully. Everything is functioning as it should.] Seojun nodded to himself, feeling a bit relieved, but then he yawned again, this time not bothering to hide it. He rubbed his eyes, wondering why he felt so tired. This wasn''t like him at all. ''Why do I keep yawning?'' He thought, a bit confused. [Your fatigue is likely due to the fact that, in the Abyss, you barely slept and were constantly engaged in battle. Your body adapted to a state of constant alertness and high stress, but now that you''re no longer in that environment, it''s beginning to react to theck of tension.] Seojun frowned slightly, ''So, because I''m not fighting anymore, my body is trying to catch up on rest?'' [Correct. Your body is not used to this peaceful environment. In the Abyss, the constant fighting and danger kept you awake and alert, but now that the immediate threat is gone, your body is signaling that it needs rest. This is a natural response as your system and body adjust to the new environment.] Seojun sighed, the exnation making sense but still frustrating him a bit. ''Great So now I''m going to be tired all the time?* [Not necessarily. As your body adjusts to the new environment, the fatigue should lessen. However, it''s important to listen to your body and rest when needed. This adjustment period won''tst forever.] Seojun yawned again, this time epting that his body might need some time to get used to the change. He had spent so long fighting in the Abyss that he had almost forgotten what it felt like to not be in a constant state of battle. ''I guess I''ll have to get used to this,'' he thought, trying to stifle another yawn. For now, he''d just have to take it easy and let his body adjust to a life that didn''t involve constant fighting and danger. It was a strange feeling, but maybe, just maybe, he could get used to it. Seojun walked over to where Alex was sorting through papers, organizing everything with a focused expression. Without a word, Seojun leaned against Alex''s back, crossing his arms and closing his eyes, feeling the familiar warmth andfort of the gesture. Alex chuckled softly, recognizing the old habit. "You''re really back," he whispered, a hint of emotion in his voice. This was something they used to do all the time, a sign of their closeness. It felt like a piece of the past had returned, something he had missed more than he realized. After a moment, Alex gently pushed Seojun away, turning to face him with a grin. "You should go rest in the guest room for now. We''ll handle all your stuff, like getting you a ce to live and all that." Seojun, showing signs of fatigue, gave a half-hearted protest as Alex started to guide him toward the guest room. "Ahhh, I don''t wanna walk. Carry me, Alex." Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Breaking News "You still think of me as your carrier, huh? That was back when you were as light as a stick. But now, it''s a different story." Despite his words, there was no real resistance as he pushed Seojun gently into the guest room. As they entered, Alex noticed Huno, Seojun rottweiler, quietly following them. Without much thought, Seojun flopped down onto the bed, too tired to care about anything else. Alex knelt down beside Huno, who was sitting obediently by the door, tongue lolling out in a rxed manner. "Aren''t you on your best behavior? Where did Seojun find you?" Alex murmured, petting Huno''s heads while the dog wagged its tail contentedly. Standing up, Alex nced back at Seojun, who was already starting to drift off. "Hey, Seojun, I''m gonna register your dog. What''s his name?" "Huno," Seojun muttered sleepily, his eyes already closing as he sank deeper into the bed, the exhaustion finally taking over. Alex smiled softly and whispered, "You gave him Huno''s name, huh?" Seojun didn''t respond, already lost to sleep. Alex quietly left the room, letting Seojun get the rest he so clearly needed. Alex walked into the room where Alexa and the guildmaster, Kang Dae-won, were talking. Dae-won, representing the berserker ss, was a towering figure with a rugged appearance. His sleeveless leather vest and battle scars gave him an imposing presence. "Why? Sharing is caring, Alexa," Dae-won said with a roughugh, his deep voice carrying through the room. "What''s this all about?" Alex asked, approaching them. Dae-won turned his gaze to Alex with a grin. "Hey, kid! It''s all over the news¡ªyour lost friend hase back." Alex raised an eyebrow. "Where did you hear that, Guildmaster Kang?" Dae-won shrugged. "Doesn''t matter where I heard it. But just because your friend is back doesn''t mean he''s automatically joining your guild. It would be unfair, don''t you think?" Alex stepped closer, his tone firm. "What are you implying?" "I''m saying that just because he''s your friend doesn''t mean he gets a free pass," Dae-won said, his tone hardening. "He should choose for himself. I won''t stand by and let you two just snap him up. Not when he might be worth it" He added. "Oh, so what''s his name? Ah right, Seojun" Alexa interjected, "Seojun''s rank is F. We''re not trying to force him into anything." Dae-won''s expression shifted to one of incredulity. "Rank F? What a sham¡ªdon''t believe it! You think you can fool me? There''s no returnee that''s Rank F. Curse kid!" Dae-won smirked, clearly skeptical. Alex, holding back his irritation, said, "Seojun''s rank doesn''t change what he''s been through or who he is. We''re here to support him, no matter what." Dae-won chuckled darkly. "We''ll see about that. I''ll make him an offer he can''t refuse, and we''ll find out if your friendship can stand up to a real challenge." With a final smirk, Dae-won turned and walked away, leaving a tense silence behind. Alexa looked at Alex with concern. "What do we do now?" she asked softly. Alex sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Turn it on," he muttered, his frustration clear. The nearby staff, looking nervous, quickly switched on the TV screen. The broadcast came to life, showing the bustling area in front of the Awakeners Association building, a grand edifice with the association''s emblem prominently disyed. The news anchor''s voice cut through the room. "Breaking news! Thest remaining returnee has made a dramaticeback! The friend of the Ford Twins, known for their influence in the Awakenersmunity, has returned. This is a major development, given that this individual was presumed lost forever." The screen showed the Ford Twins, Alex and Alexa official banner in back to back. Then he camera then panned to Guildmaster Dae-won, who was just got out of the awakeners association "Guildmaster Dae-won, one of the first returnees toe back, has been actively seeking out others who vanished before. His return has been a significant topic, especially as he continues to gather returnees under his banner," the anchor continued then interrupted by the suddenmotion. "Guildmaster Dae-won is out!" "Guildmaster Dae-won! Here please!" Guildmaster Dae-won walked out of the awakeners association with amanding presence. The reporter, surprised by his sudden appearance, quickly adjusted the microphone. "Guildmaster Dae-won, have you managed to recruit thest returnee? Can you tell us his rank and if there are any new records or another S-rank achievement?" And Some Reporters started to asked another questions. "Have you talked to thest Returnee, Guildmaster?!" Dae-won grabbed the microphone firmly, ring at the camera. "Seojun Bud!" he said sharply. "I know what you''re going through¡ªI''m a returnee too. I understand what''s best for you better than those Ford twins ever could. So if you''re watching, reach out to me. I''m here to help!" With a confident smirk, Dae-won threw the microphone back to the reporter and walked out of the studio. The reporter, still adjusting to the situation, said, "Did you hear that? Guildmaster Dae-won''s strong message and offer of support have definitely made waves. His return and efforts to bring other returnees together are now a big topic." The screen then showed an old photo of Seo-jun. He looked extremely thin and weak in the picture, with his hair covering his face and his bones visible under his skin. The photo highlighted how malnurished he is. Alexa stared at the screen in disbelief. "Seriously? That photo? Seojun has a recent one!" Alex, standing beside her, frowned. "We already know Seojun''s identity. How did this old photo even get into the media?" Their conversation was interrupted as Seo-ha strolled in, casually munching on popcorn. "Hey, did you see the news?" she asked, ncing at the screen. "Hahaa, that''s some ugly photo there," sheughed, pointing at the image of Seo-jun from before his return. Alex shot a serious, almost ring look at Seo-ha. "What?" Seo-ha said, noticing the look. "It''s not me," she added, already sensing why Alex was upset. Alexa quickly interjected, "It''s okay, brother." She turned to Alex, trying to ease the tension. "I don''t think they''ll recognize Seojun with that old photo they''re showing. It''s so out of date." Alex sighed, still clearly frustrated but reassured by Alexa''s words. "I''m gonna talk with Grandpa, You register Seojun dog. His name is Huno" "Huno? He name it after the cat his taking care before" ---- Dae-won = De-won Seo-ha = Soha Chapter 84: Chapter 84: Hundred Years ago As Seojun drifted deeper into sleep, he found himself in a strange, ancient forest. The trees were tall and twisted, and the air was thick with unease. He suddenly heard a voice in his mind, the voice was calm and clear as if narrating a story for him. "A figure emerged from the shadows¡ªEchidna, A Goddess, The Mother of Monsters. She had the upper body of a woman with pale skin and dark hair, but from the waist down, she had a powerful serpent''s tail covered in shimmering scales. Beside her was Typhon, a giant with a hundred dragon heads, radiating immense power. " Seojun felt a strange force pull him away from them, and the scene changed. He was now in a dark forest at night, where he saw a girl running in fear. Her clothes(Hanbok) were torn and she was desperate to escape. But her attempt to flee was cut short when she tripped and was captured by unseen figures. She was taken to a grand tent, where something terrible happened to her. Hourster, she emerged from the tent, but she was no longer the same. Her clothes were in tatters, and she had a bite mark on her neck. The light in her eyes was gone, reced by hopelessness. She walked to the edge of a cliff, ready to end her suffering. Seojun wanted to stop her, but something held him back. Just as the girl was about to jump, Echidna appeared beside her. "The Mother of Monsters Goddess ced a gentle hand on the girl''s shoulder and spoke softly. The girl''s despair began to lift, and instead of jumping, she allowed Echidna to wrap her tail around her in a protective embrace. Echidna had saved the girl, offering her a new path where she would be cared for. She took the mortal girl away from her family that gave her to the king and fate of bing the king''s concubine, even after she was touch without her consent. The girl, shattered and broken, found sce in Echidna''s embrace, treating the Mother of Monsters as her own family, the only family she had left." Seojun''s surroundings blurred again, and he found himself in the presence of Echidna and Typhon. Seojun saw shes of chaos as monstrous beings rampaged across the earth seeing the old houses it seems that this is from hundred years ago leaving destruction in their wake. Echidna, despite her reservations, stood by Typhon''s side. Typhon, Echidna Husband in his true form, was a massive dragon with ck, obsidian-like scales that absorbed all light. His golden eyes burned with ancient knowledge, and his vast wings could blot out the sky. When he took human form, he was tall and imposing, with dark, metallic skin and piercing golden eyes that hinted at the powerful dragon within. blinded by her love for him. But the more Typhon pushed for power, the more Echidna began to see the darkness that consumed him. "Blinded by love and loyalty, Echidna agreed to Typhon''s n, even though she knew it was dangerous. But soon, she saw the truth -Typhon wasn''t just seeking power; he wanted to destroy everything, even if it meant risking their children''s lives." In a sudden twist, Seojun saw Typhon turn against Echidna, his eyes zing with madness. His once loving gaze now held nothing but contempt and a thirst for power. Echidna, realizing her mistake, tried to stop him, but it was toote. "Horrified, Echidna tried to stop him, but Typhon saw this as a betrayal. Enraged, he turned against her, seeking to steal her power. In the end, Typhon''s madness led to his downfall. The gods, led by Zeus, defeated him and imprisoned him deep within the Earth, transforming him into the cursed Book. This book held all of Typhon''s power and chaos, now trapped within its pages. It was a dangerous artifact, capable of granting immense power but also bringing ruin." Seo-jun brow frowned, ''That book. Isn''t that the system former appearance? What is this all about?'' "Heartbroken, Echidna couldn''t destroy the book. Instead, she gave it to the mortal girl she had saved. This girl, betrayed by her own family and mistreated by the king, epted the book, filled with a desire for revenge. And the gods were still angry with Echidna and sent Argus Panoptes, a giant with a hundred eyes, to kill her. Echidna was strong but couldn''t defeat Argus and was ultimately killed. However, her soul was reborn in a new body, worshipped as a goddess by those who found her. The mortal girl, after learning that Echidna had been killed, was filled with anger and grief. She vowed to kill the gods who she believed were responsible. In her rage, she first turned against her own family, killing them without hesitation. With the cursed power of the Book, she was ready to lead humanity to extinction. But as she was about to destroy everything, she realized she was carrying a child, the result of the king''s cruelty. This realization stopped her madness. The Book, now full of her pain and power, became a powerful heirloom, passed down through her family for generations." Suddenly, He felt a sudden pull and found himself standing in a calm, blue sea, its gentle wavespping at his feet. The sky above was clear, a brilliant blue that stretched endlessly, with the sun shining brightly overhead. The air was warm and peaceful, a stark contrast to the eerie darkness he had expected. As he looked around, a soft breeze carried a familiar presence. He looked up and saw a radiant figure descending from the sky, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight like liquid silver, and her deep violet eyes filled with ancient wisdom. "Zyraena," he whispered recognizing her immediately. She was stunning, with silver hair that flowed like water, and her clothes shimmered in shades of blue and gold. She radiated a powerful yet calming energy that put Seojun at ease, despite the confusion swirling in his mind. "What is it that I witnessed?" Seojun asked, his voice filled with a mix of awe and curiosity. As Seojun stood in the calm blue sea, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin, he watched as Goddess Zyraena raised her hand. With a graceful snap of her fingers, the scenery around them began to change. The peaceful ocean and clear sky melted away, reced by an ornate chamber filled with golden light. In the center of the room, a plush, ornate sofa appeared, its cushions invitingly soft and luxurious. --- Hanbok - Hanbok is traditional Korean clothing that reflects the beauty and culture of Korea. It consists of flowing, elegant designs with vibrant colors and simple lines. Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Echidna Childrens Goddess Zyraena gestured towards the sofa with a gentle nod. "Sit down, Han Seojun. There''s much you need to understand." Seojun watched as Goddess Zyraena snapped her fingers, and an ancient kitchen appeared around them, its rustic charm reminiscent of a time long past. Without a word, Zyraena turned her back to him and began preparing tea, her movements graceful and deliberate. Seojun could only see her back as she worked, but there was somethingforting about the way she moved. After a few moments, Goddess Zyraena turned and walked toward him, holding a single cup of tea. She sat down beside Seojun and handed him the cup, her smile so innocent and pure that it almost took him by surprise. Her expression radiated warmth and sincerity, devoid of any hidden motives. Seojun noticed that she had only made one cup of tea. As he took it, he asked, "How about you?" "No, I''m fine," Zyraena replied, her smile never wavering. "I really made it just for you." Seojun took a sip of the tea and said, "It''s good." As he drank, his blue eyes started to sparkle, then slowly darkened to a deep blue. He rubbed his eyes, trying to clear his vision. When he looked at Goddess Zyraena again, she seemed even more beautiful than before, almost glowing with an ethereal light. Zyraena noticed his reaction and couldn''t help but smile. She moved closer to him until their sides were touching, the warmth of her presence making Seojun''s heart beat just a little faster. She gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and leaned in, her lips close to his ear. "You will listen to me, right?" she whispered softly. Seojun, almost unconsciously, nodded and muttered, "Yes," before suddenly shaking his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. Something felt off, but he couldn''t quite put his finger on it. Goddess Zyraena slowly moved away, giving him some space as she watched him carefully, her smile still gentle and reassuring. "What you witnessed was more than just a story. It was a glimpse into the origins of your system, the very foundation of the power you now wield." She began Seojun turned to her, his eyes searching for answers. "The system... it was once the Book, wasn''t it? The same cursed artifact born from Typhon''s soul?" She nodded slowly, her expression somber. "Yes, the system you rely on was once a vessel of destruction and chaos, created from Typhon''s greed and hunger for power. But it was also tempered by the pain, love, and hope of those who came into contact with it. What you saw was a fragment of the truth, the history that shaped the world you now walk in." Zyraena''s gaze grew distant, as if she were looking back into the past. "Echidna''s love for Typhon was her greatest strength, but also her greatest weakness. She couldn''t see the darkness growing within him until it was toote. And the girl she saved, Yuna... she inherited that darkness, along with the power of the Book. Her pain and desire for revenge transformed the book, turning it into a tool that could either save or destroy the world." Seojun sat quietly, thinking about everything Goddess Zyraena had just told him. The more he thought about it, the more questions he had. "Goddess Zyraena," Seojun began, looking at her seriously, "what is this all about? Goddess Zyraena looked at Seojun with a sad expression. She gently took his hands in hers. "Seojun, there''s something very important I need you to do. Please, find their children. You''re the only one I can trust to do this." Seojun frowned in confusion. "Their children? Who are you talking about?" Goddess Zyraena let go of his hands and stood up. With a snap of her fingers, the darkness around them disappeared, and several images appeared in the air. Each one showed a powerful and unique creature. "These are the children of Goddess Echidna and God Typhon," Zyraena exined. "They were born from two of the most powerful beings, but after Typhon''s defeat, the gods began using these children for their own purposes." The first image showed a fierce, three-headed dog with fiery eyes, guarding a dark gate. Seojun''s eyes widened, and he muttered, "Huno?" Goddess Zyraena nodded. "Yes, this Cerberus is Huno. You''ve already found two of them." Goddess Zyraena waved her hand, and the image shifted to a nine-headed creature with silver scales and a dragon''s body. "This is the Hydra, cursed by the gods to live in pain, fighting endless battles." Seojun''s heart skipped a beat. "Si," he thought to himself. Zyraena smiled softly. "Yes, as you can see, you''ve already found two of the children. And these are the others." She pointed to the remaining images. A new image formed, showing a creature Fox with Nine tails covered in White fur, often with glowing eyes and sharp, menacing teeth. It''s size is the same a Cat. "This is Nymira, A Majestic Fox." The next creature was a massive lion with imprable skin. "This is the Nemean Lion, defeated by Heracles, but still used by the gods for their own ends." Next, A majestic creature with the head, wings, and talons of an eagle,bined with the body, hind legs, and tail of a lion. It has a sharp, hooked beak, piercing eyes, powerful feathered wings, and strong front talons, while its muscr body and hindquarters are covered in tawny lion fur. "And this is Griffin." Finally, a colossal serpent dragon coiled around a tree of golden apples appeared. "And this is Ladon, the dragon who once guarded the golden apples in the Garden of the Hesperides, now reduced to a mere tool for the gods." Seojun looked at all the creatures, feeling a deep sense of responsibility. "Why are you showing me this, Goddess? What can I do for them?" Zyraena''s eyes filled with hope as she looked at Seojun. "These children are suffering, Seojun. They were born into a world that fears them, and the gods have made their lives even worse. They need someone who can see beyond their appearances, someone who can help them find freedom. That person is you." Seojun took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words. "I''ll do it," he finally said. "I''ll find them and help them." Goddess Zyraena smiled, her relief clear. "Thank you, Seojun. I knew I could count on you." "Remember, you''re not alone. The system, yourpanions, and even I will be with you." she whispered softly, She ced a hand on his shoulder, then gently moved it to his cheek, her fingers lingering as she held his gaze. Slowly, she leaned in closer, her breath warm against his skin. Their lips were just about to touch As their lips were just about to touch, Seojun muttered, "Is that what you expect me to say?" The words hung in the air between them, a hint of mischief in his tone. Suddenly, She felt a dangerous aura from Seojun. rmed, she pulled back, Her eyes widened slightly. Without another word, she spread her wings and flew away. Chapter 86: Chapter 86: A Resounding Revenge Goddess Zyraenanded in far away, her mind racing with confusion. The sofa and kitchen were gone, reced by the deep blue sea that had been there before. She saw Seojun standing nearby, wiping his cheek and body where she had touched him. His eyes, which had been a deep blue, were now a lighter shade. Zyraena''s confusion grew. "Impossible," she muttered. She remembered the tea she had added a powerful potion meant to hypnotize its drinker. It was supposed to influence even the strongest minds. Zyraena understood that the potion had worked, making Seojun more influenced by her suggestions. There''s no way this human can resist that! Seojun watched Goddess Zyraena with a calm, almost amused expression. "You used the system function to summon me into the Abyss. You dangled the idea that I''d reunite with my mom if I just cleared your quest, like a carrot on a stick. I see how maniptive you are, Goddess. Twisting my desperation, pulling strings like I''m some pawn in your game." The Goddess''s smirk widened. "And yet, here you are, stronger than ever," she said with a mocking sweetness. "I merely gave you the motivation you needed. Isn''t that what you''ve always wanted, Seojun? And yet, you''re not even grateful to those who helped you along the way." "If it weren''t for the system and Cerberus, you would have died long ago. Don''t pretend you did it all on your own." She added "What you know about what i want? I guess you''re not aware of what I went through in the Abyss," he said, his voice steady. "You thought you could make me submit to you so easily." He emphasized thest part, making it clear that he was not easily manipted. Goddess Zyraena''s throat tightened as she gulped. She had underestimated him, and his words hit close to home. She realized he had experienced things she couldn''t even fathom in the Abyss, a ce beyond her realm of control. She had no way to observe Seojun during his time in the Abyss. She hadn''t been able to see how he had defeated Grimzark, her fallen god brother, and this left her with many unanswered questions. Despite her confusion, Goddess Zyraena tried to convince herself that Seojun''s sess was due to the help of Cerberus and the hydra. They must have yed a significant role in his achievements, allowing him to reim the realm. Seojun''s eyes narrowed as he faced Goddess Zyraena. "Why are you so eager to find Echidna and Typhon''s children?" he asked, his voice calm but probing. "Could it be that¡ª" Before he could finish, Goddess Zyraena cut him off. With a sh of divine light, she elevated herself into the air, radiating brilliant god rays. Her presence was overwhelming as she dered, "You are just a mere tool, and you have no right to ask!" Seojun watched her with a cool expression, undeterred by her disy of power. "You think I wouldn''t be angry after you forcefully summoned me and took me away from my mother?" he said, his tone sharp. "Aren''t you underestimating a human, Goddess?" Goddess Zyraena''s annoyance red. She spread her wings wide, glowing even more intensely to emphasize her divine authority. Her voice rang with authority as she said, "You dare question me? I am a goddess, and you are nothing but a pawn in my ns. Your anger changes nothing." Seojun winced, rubbing his nape as he looked up at Goddess Zyraena. Despite the difort, his voice was calm and authoritative. "Get down here, Goddess. You''re making my neck hurt." Goddess Zyraena''s eyes narrowed in irritation. "You dare speak to me like that?" she snapped, refusing to move from her elevated position. "You are in no position to give me orders!" Seojun''s expression grew serious. Without hesitation, he raised his hand and pointed a finger at her, speaking with firm authority. "I said, get down, Goddess." As his finger made a downward gesture, an invisible force of gravity suddenly pulled at Zyraena. Her entire body was yanked downward, causing a massive wave to rise from the sea beneath her. She was shocked and struggled to maintain her divineposure, her radiant form plunging towards the water. With a powerful ssh, shended on the sea''s surface, creating a considerable wave. Water surged around her, and she struggled to regain her bnce. Her divine glow flickered as she tried to process the unexpected turn of events. Goddess Zyraenay on the sea''s surface, stunned and struggling to understand what had just happened. "How?" she thought, her mind racing. "How can a human be this strong?" From her position, she saw Seojun''s feet approaching slowly. He walked calmly, the waves around him settling as he moved. When he reached a dry patch of the sea, he sat down, floating just above the surface. Seojun grabbed Zyraena''s hair and pulled her head up to face him. "Are you going to listen to me now, Goddess?" he asked calmly. Zyraena''s eyes shed with anger. "Why should a goddess like me listen to a mere human like yo¡ª" She was abruptly cut off by a sharp p from Seojun. The sting on her cheek shocked her into silence, and she stared at him, wide-eyed and stunned by the sudden pain. Seojun kept his grip firm on Goddess Zyraena''s hair, his expression unyielding. "You better listen to me while I''m still patient," he said calmly. Goddess Zyraena, still reeling from the p, tried to muster her defiance. "I will not¡ª" she began, but her protest was cut short as Seojun delivered another sharp p to her cheek. Goddess Zyraena''s cheek stung with the unexpected impact, her eyes widening in both shock and outrage. How dare someoney a hand on her¡ªher, a goddess! "How dare you p a woman?" she hissed, eyes zing as she took a step forward. "Is this how your mother raised you? To strike a woman? To disrespect a woman? You insolent¡ª" He tilted his head slightly, his eyes momentarily shifting to his open palm. Then, with a smooth, almost casual motion, he raised his hand once more and struck her again with the same unyielding force. "My palm is unisex." The sudden pain left Zyraena in shock. "T-this is impossible," she stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief. "A human can''t hurt a god or goddess. So how?!" Her mind raced as she struggled to reconcile the impossible reality before her. Seojun''s presence, his power, and his ability to affect her were beyond anything she had ever encountered. Seojun''s eyes were cold and devoid of emotion. "Do you think I won''t hurt you just because you''re a woman?" he asked, his voice icy. "Well, you''re wrong. Make yourself exempt from that idea, Goddess." Zyraena felt a chill run down her spine as she met Seojun''s lifeless gaze. "M-monster! You''re a monst-" Her words were cut off by another forceful p. The sting of the blow left her reeling, her heart pounding with fear. She stared at Seojun, her mind racing as she tried toprehend the magnitude of his power and the true nature of the being she was dealing with. Goddess Zyraena''s defiance did not waver even as she faced Seojun''s cold, unfeeling gaze. "I will never¡ª" she began, but the words were cut short as Seojun delivered another sharp p to her face. The force of the blow made her head snap to the side, and she winced in pain, but her stubbornness remained. "I refuse to¡ª" she tried again, only to be interrupted by another resounding p. The repeated strikes left Zyraena stunned and disoriented, but her spirit was unbroken. Each p was met with a mix of anger and shock. p! p! Each resounding p echoed in the silence, further shaking her resolve and leaving her in a state of painful bewilderment. Chapter 87: Chapter 87: A Contract After the series of ps, Goddess Zyraena finally gave up. She was now kneeling in front of Seojun, her pride and resistance broken. Seojun sat on the sofa, casually sipping tea. Next to him was a potion he took earlier, meant for hypnosis. Zyraena watched in shock as Seojun showed no signs of being affected by the potion. Her face was red and swollen from the ps, and her hair was a tangled mess. As Seojun looked at her, Zyraena bowed her head in submission. "What were we talking about earlier?" he asked calmly, with no hint of emotion. Zyraena, still trembling and scared, replied, "M-master, may I ask you something before we continue?" Seojun''s expression remained unchanged. "What is it?" "Master, m-may I ask why the potion had no effect on you?" she stammered. "It was made by the gods, and even they can''t resist its effects." Seojun took a sip of his tea, his calm demeanor contrasting sharply with the situation. "It''s thanks to you that things turned out this way," he said coolly. Zyraena, still shaken, asked, "Wh-what really happened in the Abyss, Master?" Seojun''s eyes hardened. "I guess you have no right to know," he replied coldly. Zyraena, frightened by his tone, immediately bowed her head. "Come here," Seojunmanded. Zyraena looked up, meeting his gaze filled with authority. Sensing his impatience, she quickly stood up but was halted by Seojun''s next words. "Did I say you could stand up? Crawl, Goddess," Seojun said with a smirk. Zyraena clenched her fists in frustration butplied, crawling towards Seojun. When she reached him, Seojun ced his palm gently on her face, slowly healing the marks left by the ps. Zyraena was stunned as she saw her appearance in the water''s surface return to normal. "Why?" she thought, confused by the sudden change. Seojun spoke calmly, "What you did made me strong so I''ll be kind not to kill you. There''s no reason for you to be scared." Zyraena, relieved yet uncertain, stood up but quickly knelt again when Seojun added, "Who told you to stand up?" "Now, where were we?" Seojun continued. Zyraena, trusting Seojun''s words despite her fear, thought, ''Why am I scared? It''s not like he can kill a goddess! He can hurt me, but he can''t kill me.'' As Seojun sat calmly, Goddess Zyraena''s mind raced with a new thought. ''Maybe he''s the one! I can get my revenge if i have him in my palm!'' Determined to regain some control, Goddess Zyraena lowered herself and hugged Seojun''s legs, hoping to please him and cling to him in a bid for favor. Her actions were driven by a desire to shift the power bnce back in her favor. Seojun observed her with a steady gaze. "Looks like my ps have woken you up and made you cling to me," he remarked. "Now, talking about Echidna and Typhon¡ªwhy are you so eager to find them?" Goddess Zyraena, caught off guard, was about to answer when Seojun spoke again, his eyes fixed on hers. "So, you are Echidna reborn in that body, aren''t you?" Goddess Zyraena''s eyes widened in shock. Seojun''s expression softened as the truth dawned on him. "Now it makes sense," he said. "I guess the scenes you showed had ws. It was you who sought power, wasn''t it? You drove Typhon into madness and put your children in danger." Goddess Zyraena, overwhelmed by the revtion, bowed down, tears streaming down her face. Her emotions broke free as she cried. "I regret everything," she sobbed. "Now, I want to bring my children back together. Please, help me, Seojun." Despite her tears, Zyraena''s face remained undeniably beautiful. She looked at Seojun with a pleading gaze. "Please, Master, I will do anything you want. If you want my body, you can have me!" She stood up, beginning to undress. Seojun waved his hand, and instantly, Zyraena''s clothes wrapped around her body, binding her arms and hands, even restricting her mouth. She fell to her knees again, the silk constricting her movements. Seojun looked at her with a mix of pity and disdain. "I''m not interested in you. I pity Huno and Si for having a mother like you," he said, making Zyraena lower her head, tears continuing to fall. "Huno and Si are my family," Seojun added, prompting Zyraena to look up, hope flickering in her eyes. "But I will find my mother first," Seojun concluded. Zyraena nodded, her eyes signaling to have the silk removed from her mouth. Seojunplied, loosening the bindings around her body. Freed, Zyraena crawled while kneeling, taking Seojun''s hands in hers. "I can help! I will find your mother while you look for my children!" she dered. Seojun studied her with a frown, clearly skeptical. "Look at this!" Zyraena said, tracing a circle on the surface of the water. A location on Earth appeared, marked clearly. "I can see everything from your Earth, so I will be a big help, Seojun¡ªMaster!" she added eagerly. Seojun''s skepticism was evident as he asked, "How can I trust you? How do I know this isn''t just another one of your schemes?" Goddess Zyraena, sitting on the surface, had an idea. A light bulb-like symbol appeared above her head and illuminated brightly. "A contract!" she eximed. "We can make a contract." Seojun raised an eyebrow, considering the idea. Goddess Zyraena''s mind raced with cunning thoughts. ''This is my chance! What does he know about contracts? I can make him sign a ve contract with me!'' She smiled wickedly in her mind, though her external demeanor remained innocent and hopeful. Seojun, noticing the glint of opportunity, responded with a smile. Goddess Zyraena''s excitement was palpable as she stood up and snapped her fingers. A golden contract appeared, glowing with an otherworldly light. "Let''s start then!" Goddess Zyraena said eagerly. "We just need both of our blood. I''ll go first!" She bit her finger and prepared to let a drop of blood fall onto the glowing golden contract. As her blood hovered above the contract, her mind was consumed with her evil scheme. ''As long as my blood touches the contract first, I can control him!'' Her blood began to fall, and Goddess Zyraena''s eyes gleamed with anticipation, her n nearly set in motion. Chapter 88: Chapter 88: Plan Backfired As Goddess Zyraena prepared to let her blood fall onto the glowing golden contract, the contract suddenly vanished from in front of her. Her blood dripped onto the surface instead. "Hm, let me be first, Goddess," Seojun said calmly. Zyraena watched as he held the golden contract in his hand. Smiling, Seojun bit his own finger and allowed his blood to fall onto the contract. Before Zyraena could react, Seojun appeared in front of her. He grabbed her bleeding finger and guided her blood onto the golden contract. "Wait, no!" Zyraena shouted, trying to pull her hand away. She reached for the golden contract, hoping to remove it before her blood could touch it, but her body suddenly froze and refused to move. With her blood now on the contract, it floated and began to shine brightly. Zyraena''s ability to move returned, but she fell to her knees, panic overtaking her. "No!" she cried out as the contract ripped in half. One piece flew towards Seojun''s palm, while the other half dashed towards her chest. A mark appeared on her chest as the two halves connected. She stared at the mark in terror, muttering, "This can''t be." Seojun looked at the mark on his palm with a contemtive expression. He then took a seat, bringing himself to eye level with Goddess Zyraena. A smile crept onto his face as he spoke. "It looks like your n backfired, Goddess. Or perhaps it''s just that your own deceit hase back to you." Zyraena, still kneeling and overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, could only stare in shock as the reality of her failed scheme set in. Goddess Zyraena, in a fit of despair, gripped her own hair as the reality of her failure sank in. Seojun watched her for a moment beforeughing softly. "Find my mother and We''ll meet again," he said as he slowly began to disappear into the air. Hisst words were overshadowed by Zyraena''s desperate scream of "No!" Seojun opened his eyes to the blinding sunlight. He raised his arm to shield his eyes and took in his surroundings. "Oh right," he thought. "I''m in the Awakeners Association." Suddenly, he heard a joyful bark. Huno, now wearing a cor with his name on it, leaped toward Seojun and began enthusiastically licking his face. As Seojun was greeted by Huno''s enthusiastic affection, a blue holographic screen materialized before him, apanied by a system voice in his mind. Ding! [Sessful Contract: Goddess Zyraena] Title: Sovereign of Omniarch Realm - Rank: S - Contract Type: ve Contract Contract Details: - Goddess Zyraena, now bound by a ve contract, is required to assist in locating Seojun''s mother while adhering to the terms set by him. - Contract Effects: This ve contract ensures Zyraena''s absolutepliance and prevents her from engaging in maniptive actions. - Special uses: The contract guarantees that Zyraena will follow Seojun''smands and cannot use her powers to subvert the agreement. [Looks like you have found my origin, Host], The System spoke, Seojun stood up and walked over to the curtain, which had been blocking the sun. He pulled it aside and took a deep breath of the fresh air. "Yeah, system, or should I call you Typhon?" he asked aloud. [I''m no longer Typhon''s host. I remain as a system, forever guiding your descendants.] Seojun nced at arge billboard disyed prominently in the room. The billboard showcased Alex and Alexa, Alex was tall and strong. His blond hair was messy and fell just above his shoulders. His brown eyes looked determined and confident. He wore modern, dark clothes that fit well and had detailed designs. His outfit gave off a feeling of both strength and style. Alexa stood next to Alex, looking just as striking. Her long, straight blond hair flowed down her back and looked shiny. Her brown eyes were warm and kind, showing her intelligence. She wore a modern, light-colored dress with delicate details, giving her a graceful and elegant appearance. Seojun turned his attention to his status screen and noticed an unread notification. Opening it, he saw the details of a new side quest: [Side Quest: Find Echidna and Typhon''s Children] Objective: Locate and identify the children of Echidna and Typhon. Progress: 2/6 Additional Information: Automatic Host Guardians: The children will automatically be host guardians. REWARDS: Legendary Equipment: Receive a piece of legendary gear tied to the power of each child. Divine Affinity: Increase your affinity with certain divine beings, boosting your divine powers and granting ess to rare blessings. Ancient Relics: Discover ancient relics connected to the Titans, enhancing your abilities and providing unique buffs inbat. After receiving the quest notification, Seojun frowned. "I need you to block Zyraena''s authority over you. I won''t let her manipte me or use the system functions against me again. She''s lucky enough that I didn''t end, She''s also part of the reason I grew and became strong But I refuse to be her pawn any longer. Block her System" [Yes, Host.] His system answered and the usual blue screen appeared. [Command acknowledged] The Provider of System Goddess Zyraena Authority, is now restricted. ess to the system functions has been permanently revoked. All future interactions with the system will be conducted without her direct influence or involvement. Seojun nodded and now nning to ask his system about what he learned, especially about Zyraena the former wife of System(Echidna) about his System manipted and used his madness. Just as he was about to speak, the system interrupted. [Host, you should check your new status. It''s important for you to see than for me to say,] Seojun was about to open his status screen when he felt a sudden hand on his shoulder. Startled, he spun around to see Alex standing behind him. Seojun blinked as he processed Alex''s question. ''Did I just let my guard down?'' Alex, however, didn''t seem bothered. With a calm demeanor, he handed Seojun a folder. "By the way, we''ve prepared an apartment for you to live in for a while. Choose which one you like." Seojun took the folder, flipping through the glossy photos of various luxurious apartments. But his mind was elsewhere. "Nah, I''m going to use our house, thanks," he said, handing the folder back without much thought. Alex didn''t flinch. "Not for now. The media is currently waiting for you there." Seojun frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean?" he asked, petting Huno absentmindedly. He could feel the tension building up, and he didn''t like it. Without a word, Alex walked over to the t-screen TV mounted on the wall. He turned it on, and the screen immediately filled with live footage of Seojun''s house. Reporters and camera crews were swarming the entrance, microphones and cameras all aimed at the front door, eager for a glimpse of the mysterious man who had recently returned. "What are they doing there?" Seojun asked, his tone t but his eyes narrowing slightly. "Why don''t we talk while eating breakfast?" Alex suggested, smoothly changing the subject. As if on cue, Seojun''s stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn''t eaten since who knows when. He nced at the clock¡ª8 a.m. He had slept almost half a day away. With a reluctant nod, Seojun agreed. He didn''t feel like dealing with the media circus, not on an empty stomach. "Is there anything specific you want to eat?" Alex asked as they made their way to the door. Seojun shrugged. "Anything''s fine." They left the room and headed for the elevator. Huno followed closely behind, his ws clicking softly against the marble floor. A minuteter, the elevator doors opened, revealing a floor that was distinctly different from the rest of the building. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, immediately putting Seojun at ease. They stepped out into what seemed to be a high-end restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city below. The ce was quiet, with only a few early risers scattered around the tables. Alex led them to a corner booth, the most private spot in the ce. As they sat down, a waiter approached with a polite smile. Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Delicacy and Apartment As Seojun and Alex sat down in the booth, a waiter came over with a friendly smile. He looked like he had worked there for a while. When he saw Alex, his smile grew even bigger. "Good morning, Mr. Alex," the waiter said kindly. "The usual?" Alex nodded. "You got it, Ben. The same for him" As they waited for their breakfast, Ben returned, bowed, and left them alone. Alex leaned back, watching Seojun. "So, where should we start?" he asked. Seojun shrugged, not too eager to talk but knowing they needed to. "First, let''s get the obvious out of the way¡ªwe own the Awakeners Association," Alex said. Seojun wasn''t surprised. "That''s so obvious, Alex," he replied, almost bored. It made sense that Alex''s family would control something so important. Alex chuckled at Seojun''sck of surprise. But then Seojun got serious. "Start with why there are media and reporters at my house," he said, finally showing some interest. Alex began exining everything. He told Seojun how the media had learned about his return, which had be a big mystery that everyone was talking about. Seojun''s disappearance and sudden reappearance had drawn huge attention, turning his home into a ce swarming with reporters who wanted to know more. As Alex talked, Ben came back with their food. Seojun''s eyes widened when he saw the dishes. "Unfortunately, I''m not an awakener," he mumbled to himself as he looked at the food. The table was covered with luxurious dishes. The main attraction was a tter of steaks, perfectly cooked and smelling incredible. Alex exined that the meat came from a Thunderhorn Bull, a rare monster known for its lightning-infused abilities. The meat was hard to get and very expensive, considered a special treat. The steak looked amazing, with the fat marbled throughout, promising a vor Seojun hadn''t tasted in a very long time. There were also roasted vegetables, golden and crispy, cooked with herbs and spices. A basket of fresh bread sat beside a bowl of butter infused with rare herbs. A sd of crisp greens with a light, tangy dressing added a refreshing touch to the meal. A pot of steaming coffee sat nearby, its bold scent cutting through the rich smells of the food. Seojun''s stomach growled loudly as he looked at the feast. He hadn''t realized just how hungry he was until now. Alex noticed how Seojun''s eyes lit up at the sight of the food and smiled. "Let''s continue after eating. You seem really hungry," he said, understanding Seojun''s excitement. Seojun thought to himself, ''This might be the first time I''ll eat good food in 500 years,'' as he picked up his fork, eager to finally enjoy a meal that truly satisfied his long-neglected hunger. Seojun took a bite of the steak and was immediately shocked by the taste. He was used to eating monster meat in the Abyss, but this was different. The steak was tender and cooked perfectly, with a rich vor that he had never experienced before. He eagerly tried the other dishes¡ªroasted vegetables, fresh bread with herb butter, and the crisp sd. Each bite was better than thest. Seojun couldn''t stop eating; his long-empty stomach was finally being satisfied. Alex watched with a chuckle, enjoying seeing Seojun so happy and hungry. Noticing Seojun''s wine ss was empty, Alex signaled to Ben, who soon returned with desserts. "I know you don''t usually like sweets," Alex said with a smile, "but maybe you''ll want to try these." Alex pointed to the desserts on the table. "We have caramel mousse, chocteva cake, and dragonfruit sorbet. These are expensive treats you wouldn''t have had before, but now you can enjoy them. I''ve got your back." Alex slid a ck card across the table to Seojun. "This is for you," he said. Seojun looked at the card and then at Alex, who handed him a bowl of ice cream. "This is enchanted vani ice cream," Alex exined. "It''s made from Frost Wyvern milk and has a refreshing, magical taste." Seojun took a bite of the ice cream. The smooth, creamy texture and the chill on his tongue were new and delightful. He felt a deep sense of gratitude for this simple pleasure, something he hadn''t experienced in a long time. Seojun took another bite, allowing himself to enjoy the sweet treat. It was a new experience, and for the first time in a long while, he let himself savor it. As Seojun enjoyed the ice cream, he felt a wave of emotion. He almost cried, thinking, ''So this is what wealthy people get to eat. What a lucky bastard.'' The food was so amazing that he couldn''t stop eating. ''This is so good!'' he thought,pletely absorbed in the vors. Suddenly, a "Ding!" from his system got his attention. A message appeared: [System Alert: You Have Consumed Sweets of the New develop Earth] Effects: - Mood Boost: Increased happiness and rxation. - Energy Surge: Temporary boost in energy and alertness. - Enhanced Enjoyment: Greater appreciation for sensory experiences. The system confirmed what Seojun was feeling. The sweets were making him happier and more energetic. He smiled, enjoying the simple pleasure of the food even more. After a long time, Seojun finally finished eating. He rubbed his full stomach and muttered, "I feel alive!" Huno, who had been munching on food as well, gave a satisfied nod. Alex chuckled at the sight of both Seojun and Huno enjoying their meal. "It looks like you can still eat," Alex said, amused. "Yeah, wait," Seojun said while rubbing his stomach and letting out a contented burp. "Where''s the folder again?" Alex handed Seojun the folder with photos of the apartments. Seojun flipped through the pages, studying the different options. Apartment 1: A modern, sleek design with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic city view. The space was open and minimalistic, featuring high-end furnishings and a contemporary kitchen with shiny, ck countertops. The apartment had arge balcony and a spacious living area. Apartment 2: A luxurious, ssic style with rich wooden floors and ornate moldings. This apartment featured elegant furniture, a grand firece, and arge, well-decorated dining room. It had a cozy, traditional feel with dark, plush carpets and heavy curtains. Apartment 3: A high-tech, futuristic design with smart home features. The apartment had integrated technology throughout, including touch-sensitive controls and an advanced lighting system. It featured a sleek, chrome kitchen, modern artwork, and a minimalistyout with plenty of hidden storage. Apartment 4: A spacious, loft-style apartment with exposed brick walls and industrial design elements. Large, open spaces and high ceilings gave it a trendy, urban feel. It had a mix of modern and vintage furniture, arge kitchen ind, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Apartment 5: A serene, rooftop retreat located on the top floor of a five-story building. This apartment featuredrge windows with stunning views of the cityscape and a private rooftop garden. The interior had a nature-inspired design with wooden floors, soft colors, and an open, airy feel. It included a cozy outdoor seating area and a small garden space for rxation. After considering the options, Seojun chose Apartment 5. The rooftop location,bined with its peaceful, nature-inspired design and private garden, appealed to him. It felt like a perfect retreat from his usual surroundings, offering both tranquility and a beautiful view of the city. Chapter 90: Chapter 90: Outbreak "Good choice!" Alex said with a smile. "I''ll take care of everything you need, including clothes. You can rest assured we''ll handle it all. This time, you can rely on us, Seojun." Seojun, who was savoring a slice of cake, looked at Alex and quickly swallowed. "Thanks, Alex," he said with gratitude. Alex chuckled again. "You''re going to let us help you this time, right? Well, you don''t really have a choice," Alex said, his tone light but firm. Seojun nodded in agreement, though he couldn''t speak because he was busy enjoying his cake. Just then, Ben, the waiter, brought over another serving of ice cream. But suddenly, the whole building trembled as a massive explosion happened outside. Alex stood up immediately, his expression turning serious. Seojun stayed calm as the building trembled. Around him, a white notification screen appeared above everyone''s heads, except his. The alert read: [System Notification: Outbreak Dungeon Alert!] A Rank C dungeon has appeared near your location. Monsters are beginning to emerge. Please prepare for potential danger. Alex quickly pulled out his phone and instructed Seojun, "Stay here and don''t leave." He then sprinted outside to handle the situation. "There''s an Outbreak!" ''Outbreak?'' Seojun thought, As Alex disappeared through the doors. His system spoke, [There are two primary types of dungeons currently identified, Host.] Outbreak Dungeons: Description: These dungeons appear suddenly and release monsters into the world. The creatures escape and attack humans, causing chaos. These dungeons are extremely dangerous and must be dealt with quickly. Characteristics: Unpredictable Appearance: Can emerge anywhere, at any time. Unrestricted Monster Movement: Monsters are not bound by the dungeon and can freely enter the outside world. High Risk: Often result in widespread chaos and loss of life if not contained quickly. Restricted Dungeons: Description: These dungeons are stable and found in specific areas. Monsters inside cannot leave, making them safer. Awakeners use these dungeons to train and level up. Characteristics: Confined Monsters: All creatures remain within the dungeon''s boundaries. Used for Training: Popr among awakeners for leveling up and obtaining loot. Rtively Stable: Less likely to cause harm to the outside world unless disturbed internally. Monitored: Often overseen by governing bodies to ensure safety and proper usage. As Seojun and Huno remained in the now-deserted building, enjoying their food, another explosion jolted the area. A charred, dead monster flew through the air and crashed onto the floor near them. Seojun, still holding his ice cream, stood up and walked cautiously toward the source of the explosion. Huno followed close behind. As he approached, he saw numerous monsters emerging from the dungeon entrance, chasing after fleeing people. The system activated Appraisal. A blue hologram appeared, detailing the nearest monster: [Appraisal Activated] Name: Lizardman Rank C (300) Description: A reptilian creature with scaly skin and a fierce appearance. Known for its agility andbat skills. Typically found in dungeons. Threat Level: Moderate to High Seojun noted that these monsters were different from those he had encountered in the Abyss. The Lizardmen, while formidable, had a different fighting style and level of power. Holding his ice cream, Seojun observed the chaos, realizing that the challenges here were distinct from what he was used to. Huno, his rottweiler, suddenly let out a low, menacing growl, eyes narrowing as it stared at something ahead. Seojun nced over and saw a Lizardman emerging from the dungeon, its scaly skin glistening under the sun. The creature was armed with a crude spear, and its eyes locked onto Seojun. [You have been targeted by a Lizardman. Prepare forbat.] The Lizardman snarled, raising its spear to strike. Seojun simply tilted his head slightly to the left, effortlessly dodging the spear that whizzed past his ear. Seojun''s gaze remained calm as he watched the Lizardman prepare for another assault. But then, loud shouts erupted from nearby, distracting both Seojun and the monster. "I''ll make it to the top! Aaaahhh!" a man''s voice screamed. "They''re mine!" another voice, just as desperate, yelled out. "Hey! Over here!" a third voice called out, frantically waving his arms. Seojun turned to see a group of people rushing toward the Lizardman, weapons drawn, their eyes wild with determination. They attacked the creature as if it were a prize, each trying tond the killing blow. "What are they doing?" Seojun thought, puzzled. The group''s chaotic approach seemed less like teamwork and more like a frenzied scramble for a reward. They attacked the Lizardman like it was some sort of food, arguing amongst themselves for dominance. The Lizardman, though outnumbered, was far from defenseless. With a powerful swing of its tail, it sent the attackers flying through the air, crashing into walls and the ground with bone-rattling force. [These individuals are called Awakeners. Defeating monsters like the Lizardman allows them to increase their ranks and climb the leaderboard. Inshort they are after Rankings.] Seojun''s eyes narrowed as he watched the fallen Awakeners struggle to get back on their feet, their previous bravado reced with groans of pain. As he took another bite of his ice cream, he quietly asked, "Rankings?" Before the system could answer, his attention was drawn to a suddenmotion. A little girl, carried by her terrified mother, tripped and fell. The Lizardman, noticing them, started to advance, ready to strike. Without thinking, Seojun''s instincts kicked in. The system sensed his intent and activated a barrier to protect him from the impact of jumping. At the same moment, Seojun jumped down from the third floor, moving with a speed that was fast for anyone else but felt normal to him. In a sh, he was standing in front of the mother and daughter, shielding them from the Lizardman. The Lizardman thrust its spear forward, aiming to attack, but it collided with the barrier. The force of the impact sent the creature stumbling backward, surprised by the sudden defense. Seojun quickly grabbed the mother and child, carrying them to a safe corner away from the danger. But as he set them down, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest. He coughed violently, and to his shock, blood spurted from his mouth. "What''s happening?" Seojun wondered, panic creeping in. Just then, a system notification appeared in front of him: [Warning!] You''ve used a skill that''s beyond your current level. The bacsh will cause physical harm. Seojun''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Beyond current level? What are you talking about?!" he thought, confused and frustrated. He couldn''t believe that using the barrier had taken such a toll on him. Desperate for answers, Seojun quickly opened his stats, only to be hit with another shock¡ª [Status] Name: Han Seojun Age: 23 Title: Returnee Level: 1 ss: Error Strength: D Stamina: D Agility: D Mana: Infinite His level reset to 1, His heart sank. Everything he had worked for, all the power he once had, was gone in an instant. Chapter 91: Chapter 91: Level Reset Seojun fell to his knees, pain surging through his body. Struggling to breathe, he managed to shout, "Run! Get out of here!" to the mother and child he had just saved. With fear and gratitude in their eyes, the mother called out, "Thank you!" before grabbing her child and fleeing the scene. Huno, Seojun''s loyalpanion, hurried to his side, nudging him gently as Seojun gasped for air. His vision blurred, and a sharp ''Ding!'' echoed in his ears. [System Alert: Emergency Transport to Host''s Space Initiating.] Seojun gritted his teeth, blood dribbling from his mouth. "Are you serious, system? Now?!" he muttered, frustration and pain mixed in his voice. Another violent cough shook his body, spilling more blood onto the ground. Before Seojun could react, a Lizardman charged at him, spear poised to strike. But Huno sprang into action, grabbing a broken piece of metal in his jaws and using it as a makeshift shield. The spear nged against the metal, and the Lizardman was forced back. Huno stumbled but quickly recovered, standing protectively in front of Seojun. "H-Huno..." Seojun whispered weakly, feeling his strength fade as darkness began to close in. [System Alert: Host Will Be Transported in 5...4...] Seojun''s vision darkened, and he teetered on the edge of consciousness. Just then, another Lizardman struck, sending Huno flying with a powerful blow. Huno hit the ground hard, whimpering in pain, but he didn''t give up. He rushed back to Seojun, standing over him, growling and barking furiously at the approaching monsters. Huno shut his eyes tight, bracing for the next attack. But just as the Lizardman raised its weapon to strike, it was suddenly sted away by a powerful force. Huno opened his eyes, his tail wagging with relief as he saw Alex standing there, holding the Lizardman''s spear. "Good boy," Alex muttered, though his voice was strained with pain. Huno barked happily, but his joy turned to worry when Alex clutched his chest in agony. A system notification shed in front of Alex: WARNING! [Curse Activated. Severe pain detected due to the forceful use of disabled skills.] "D-Damn it..." Alex groaned, his body trembling from the curse ravaging his insides. But with no time to lose, he steeled himself for what was toe. As the Lizardmen circled them, their eyes filled with hunger, Alex knew he had to act fast. Summoning all his remaining strength, he raised the spear high above his head. With a fierce determination, he roared, "Earthshatter!" The ground beneath him trembled as a shockwave of immense power surged from the point of impact when he mmed the spear down. The force of the attack sent the Lizardmen flying, their bodies crashing into the surroundings as they were utterly overpowered by the warrior''s might. Panting heavily, Alex stood protectively over Seojun and Huno. "Hang in there, Seojun," he whispered, his voice filled with unyielding resolve. As the Lizardmen attacked, throwing spears at Alex, Seojun, and Huno, a figure descended from above, stirring up a cloud of dust. Alex coughed and squinted through the haze. A massive, muscr berserker with ck hair and a smirknded heavily, his presencemanding. "Great job holding on, curse kid!" the berserker yelled. Alex recognized him. "Guildmaster Dae-won," he muttered. Dae-won, with amanding tone, ordered, "Take the citizens to a safer area!" A helicopter hovered above, and people began jumping down. One of them, a determined girl, approached Alex and Huno. Huno growled at her, guarding Seojun. "It''s alright, Huno. She''s an ally," Alex reassured, his voice barely above a whisper. Reluctantly, Huno stepped aside, and the girl carefully picked up Seojun, cradling him in her arms. With a swift motion, she lifted Alex and Huno, preparing for a daring escape. "Hang on," the girl said urgently, her tone filled with resolve. In a single fluid motion, the girl leaped, carrying Alex and Seojun. Theynded on a rooftop, the girl setting Seojun and Alex down gently. The rooftop was a temporary sanctuary from the chaos below. Alex, barely conscious, managed to say, "Thank you." The girl nodded in acknowledgment before swiftly jumping back into the fray to rescue more citizens. As Alex''s vision faded, he saw the girl jumped down again and noticed a card that''s probably from the unconscius man he carried. As the battle raged on, the Lizardmen continued their relentless assault, Guildmaster Dae-won, the towering berserker, stood amidst the chaos. His double-headed warhammer swung with a mighty force, each swing demolishing the Lizardmen with brutal efficiency. His ck hair whipped around his face as he roared over the mor of battle, "Is this all you''ve got? Watch and learn what real power looks like!" Amidst the chaos, the girl noticed a card and seeing it''s content "Boss," She threw a card toward Dae-won. With a swift, practiced motion, Dae-won caught the card in mid-air. His eyes skimmed the contents as he took a brief pause from his relentless assault. Without waiting for a response, the girl turned and leaped back into the fray, her focus now on rescuing more citizens. As she moved, Dae-won continued to wield his warhammer withmanding skill, his strikes driving the remaining Lizardmen away with ease. Dae-won studied the gray card closely, his brow furrowing in concentration. The card was simple, its gray surface marked with stark ck text: Name: Han Seojun NON-AWAKENED (Rank F) Age: 23 Sex: Male Strength: F Stamina: F Agility: F Mana: F Dae-won stared at the gray card, he swung his double-headed warhammer down hard, mming it into the ground. The powerful shockwave exploded the lizardmen bodies making the whole area a massacre. Standing amidst the wreckage, Dae-won grinned. "So the curse kid wasn''t lying. He really is F-Rank," he said, impressed by the disy. He walked over to the dungeon portal with a determined stride. Grabbing a Lizardman by the neck that just got out. he lifted it off the ground effortlessly. The Lizardman struggled and gasped in fear. It''s spear can''t injured his Body. Dae-won smirked, his presence radiating a dangerous aura and he muttered, "Interesting. I can''t wait to figure out the secrets you''re hiding and how you managed to fool the global system." In a little more strength the Lizardmen head exploded making green bloods stter everywhere. His voice was a chilling whisper,den with menace. "You''ve managed to fool the global system, but not me. Just wait, I''ll uncover every dark secret you''re hiding¡ªHan Seojun" Chapter 92: Chapter 92: Connected to the Global System Server Seojun opened his eyes and found himself in a sleek, modern bedroom. The room was simple yet luxurious, with a low, stylish bed and high-tech controls for adjusting itsfort. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in soft morning light, and the decor was minimalist and elegant. Huno, in his Rottweiler form, was sleeping peacefully in a plush dog bed near the wall. He got up and walked around the room, noting the polished hardwood floors and the modern, wall-mounted holographic disy showing a peacefulndscape. The room had a calm, sophisticated feel. Exiting the bedroom, Seojun entered a small living room. It had arge t-screen TV on one wall and afy sofa facing the window. On the ss table in front of the sofa, he noticed a folder of papers. He picked up the folder and found it contained documents about himself. Next to the folder was a cellphone and a note. The note was written by his friend Alex: "Hey Seojun, d you''re finally awake. Things have been busy, and I needed to update you on a few things. Check the papers for more info. Call me if you have any questions." - Alex Seojun slumped onto the soft sofa, trying to remember what had happened. He recalled being suddenly transported to his space. His system had said that his body was adjusting, which made him feel disoriented. He said aloud, "Status." [Good morning, Host.] Seojun ignored the system and focused on the screen. His level had reset to 1. He saw a list of skills that were now locked: Voidme Gluttony (LOCKED) Phantom Summoning (LOCKED) Guardian Summoning (LOCKED) Abyssal Storage (LOCKED) Gravity Control Mastery (LOCKED) Etc. [Host Main weapon Astral ze Sword Unable to use.] Seojun notice the skills that is not locked had also reset Darkme Mastery ¡ú Basic Fireball (Basic fire control skill) Back to Red fire. Divine Abyssal Barrier ¡ú Basic Barrier (Minor protective shield) Eldritch Convergence ¡ú Soul harvest Abyssal Restoration ¡ú Minor Heal (Basic healing skill) Wind Skills Mastery ¡ú Basic Wind Maniption (Control minor gusts and breezes) Abyssal Blink ¡ú Basic teleport (Basic Agility boost) Master Combat Skills ¡úBasic Fundamentals [All resistances and nullifications will unlock progressively as Host experiences it one time.] Because his level had reset to 1, he could only use basic skills. He couldn''t use any advanced skills or activate summoning. His powerful abilities and summons were all disabled until he could level up again and Now he look at the skills under his ss Abyssal Tamer. Taming Insight ¡ú (Locked) Provides the ability to understand and tame powerful Abyssal creatures. Serene Presence (Locked) Grants a calming aura that pacifies hostile entities and enhances control over tamed creatures. Binding Chains ¡ú (Locked) Conjures magical chains to restrain and control Abyssal entities. Healing Aura ¡ú (Locked) Emits a restorative aura that heals allies and tamed creatures. Arcane Eye ¡ú (Locked) Allows the user to see through objects and detect hidden creatures or traps. Tamer''s Compendium ¡ú (Locked) A mystical book that contains records and information on all tamed creatures, including their abilities and stats. As Seojun continued to study the status screen, another screen suddenly appeared in front of him, blocking his view. It disyed a message from his system. [I''m really sorry, Host.] The screen was filled with apologetic symbols and expressions, and the system''s tone seemed genuinely regretful. [Host, I understand this situation is troubling. I had to bring you in the space to avoid forcely using your skills that might harm your body. I deeply regret that you were forcibly dragged away.] Seojun stayed silent, his frustration clear. He stood up and walked into the kitchen. The space was sleek and modern, filled with shiny, high-tech appliances. [Host, I will do everything in my power to restore the results of your hard work. Please be patient it will be back as soon as possible.] He noticed a coffee maker on the counter that he didn''t recognize. Despite this, he figured out how to use it. The system had made some changes while he was in the space, so he could handle new tasks more easily. It had programmed some basic instructions into his mind, making it simpler to adjust to things like this coffee maker. As the coffee brewed, Seojun finally spoke aloud. "Tell me what happened while I was in the space." The system did not respond immediately, and Seojun turned his attention to cooking. His hands moved with surprising ease, as if he already knew how to use the advanced utensils. With the coffee ready and his mealing together, Seojun began to feel a bit more at ease. The skill that helped him adapt to new technology was proving useful, and the routine tasks were helping him clear his mind. [Host, here''s a summary of what happened while you were in the space Seojun watched a clip of what happened as he chewed. The system continued, [You were asleep for two days. Now, you are in the apartment that Alex prepared for you.] As Seojun finished his meal, the system spoke up. [I will now connect you to the Global System Server.] A digital chime sounded, and a new screen materialized in front of him, disying a loading animation. The screen showed a sleek, futuristic progress bar with a swirling blue vortex at its center. Beneath the progress bar, a series of rotating icons and data streams flickered, indicating active connections and data transfers. The loading process began with a smooth, pulsating glow traveling from left to right across the bar. asional messages appeared below the bar. [SYSTEM ALERT: Connecting to Global System Server] Initializing connection... Establishing link to server... --- Synchronizing data... Configuring user settings... Verifying ess credentials... The loading animation continued, with intricate patterns and digital effects creating a sense of high-tech activity. Connection in progress... Finalizing setup...50%...76%...99%... [Ding] Host is sessfully connected to the Global System Server. A new interface emerged, disying various notifications, messages, and options for exploring thework. As the loading animation faded, a new white hologram screen appeared before Seojun. The screen was pristine and luminous, with a soft, ethereal glow that made it seem almost otherworldly. At the top, in elegant, bold text, was a weing message: --- [Wee, Abyss Lord to the Global System Korea Server] Beneath the greeting, the screen disyed a series of information panels and interactive elements. The first panel provided an overview of the Global System, exining its functions and how to navigate it. Global System Overview: Purpose: The Global System Server operates like a social media tform for awakeners. It connects awakeners, facilitatesmunication, and allows for information exchange across the world. Features: - Notifications: Stay updated with thetest news and alerts relevant to awakeners. - Messages: Send and receive messages from other awakeners. - Feeds: View posts and updates from other awakeners and organizations. - Profiles: ess detailed profiles of other users, including their achievements and status. - Shop: Browse and trade items, skills, and information within the system. - Announcements:Receive important updates and notices from the Global System. - Leaderboard Updates: View rankings including guild rankings per country, global guild rankings, and top rankers'' updates both locally and globally. As Seojun scanned the screen, he saw that his user name was disyed as Abyss Lord.. He furrowed his brow, processing the significance of the name. The system''s voice then broke the silence, [The Global System Server is now active and ready for use. You can explore the features as you wish and start interacting with other awakeners.] Chapter 93: Chapter 93: Free time Seojun stared at the screen, contemting his new user name, Abyss Lord. "What''s with this user name?" he asked aloud, a hint of confusion in his voice. The system responded promptly, [Don''t you like it, host? It''s better than exposing your personal Info. The title reflects your status and role.] Seojun shrugged, epting the name for now. ''It''s not like it affect anything,'' He then nced around his apartment, noticing the cellphone and TV screen. "What''s the use of these if the Global System Server is already up and running?" he wondered aloud. The system quickly addressed his concern. [The Global System Server is indeed a powerful tool formunication and information. However, not everyone has ess to it. Currently, about 80% of the poption are awakeners who can connect to the Global System, while the remaining 20% are non-awakened normal humans.] [Only awakeners have ess to the Global System Server,] the system added. "Non-Awakened do not have the capability to connect to or use it.] [Would you like to explore the Global System Server now, host?] System added. Seojun shook his head. "Not right now. Later," he replied, standing up. He turned to see Huno awake, his tail wagging furiously. Huno barked excitedly and leaped toward Seojun, licking his face. "I''m sorry I left you, Huno," Seojun said, stroking the dog''s head. "That won''t happen again. Am I right, system?" The system responded, [Yes, host. It will not happen again.] "Good," Seojun said with a nod. He continued to feed Huno, giving him some of the food he had cooked, and then made his way out of the apartment. He exited onto the third floor rooftop and walked to the edge, leaning on the railings. As he took in the fresh air and enjoyed the view, the system''s voice broke the calm. [You need to see this news, host.] The screen in front of Seojun came to life, and the system opened the Global System Server''s news section. Seojun watched as the search icon was tapped and a breaking news headline appeared: Breaking News: Han Seojun Thest remaining returnee in korea Revealed as F-Rank Non-Awakened The headline red across the screen, apanied by a detailed news article and images. The report revealed that Han Seojun, a returnee who had been expected to achieve high ranks due to his mysterious disappearance and subsequent return, was actually ssified as an F-rank non-awakened individual. Standing on the rooftop, Seojun muttered to himself, "Why are they making such a big deal about my return?" He shook his head, trying to make sense of the media frenzy surrounding his status. Despite the unsettling news, he let out a deep breath and smiled, enjoying the fresh air and the panoramic view of the city. The gentle breeze and the warmth of the sun helped clear his mind, offering a moment of calm amidst the chaos. Over the next several days, Seojun settled into a routine that was a wee change from his usual intense activities. His days were filled with simple pleasures: eating delicious food, sleepingfortably, and engaging in activities he hadn''t had time for before. He explored his apartment, learned to use the high-tech appliances, and embraced the quiet moments of leisure. The discovery that his mother was safe and somewhere in the world brought him immense relief. His instincts told him she was well and secure, which eased his worries. With this knowledge, Seojun felt a sense of contentment that allowed him to fully enjoy his newfound free time. He took pleasure in these moments of rxation, appreciating the peace and normalcy they brought. For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself to simply live, savoring each day without the weight of his previous responsibilities and conflicts. I''m sorry Mom, I''ll find you soon. I just wanna rest for a while. He muttered A month had passed, and Seojun had settled into a routine of enjoying his downtime the news about him had finally settled. One sunny afternoon, in a cozy caf¨¦, a group of teenagers huddled around a table, their faces lit by the glow of their hologram screens. They were engrossed in a lively discussion about thetest happenings in the PvP tournaments. "Did you guys watch the PvP tournament yesterday?!" one of the boys eximed excitedly. "In Japan? Yeah, you bet!" another replied. "Ms. Yuki was incredible! No one can take her ce as the top 2 ranker!" "Yeah, not only is she strong, but she''s also like a goddess. I''m so jealous!" a girl added, her voice tinged with awe. As they continued to discuss Ms. Yuki''s prowess, they noticed their friend intently focused on her hologram screen. Curious, they exchanged nces and moved closer to see what had captured her attention. "What are you watching?" one of them asked. "Huh? Oh, it''s just some random videos" she replied, her attention still on the screen. The group leaned in and saw a video of a man with slightly long White hair and a beard, his face blurred. The stream appeared to be set in what looked like outer space, with the title: Endless Battle part 3. They watched in amazement as the man fought therge Dragon, apanied by a Cerberus and a nine-headed Hydra. The action was intense, and the visuals were stunning. "Hey! Hey! Is that even real?!" one of their friendsmented, eyes wide with disbelief. Another friend quickly started searching on the TerraTube. "What''s his channel?" she asked eagerly. The girl with the screen responded, "His channel is called Abyssal Lord Fan. You should definitely check out his videos." The group buzzed with excitement, intrigued by the spectacle they had just witnessed. They eagerly searched for more content from the Abyssal Lord Fan channel, eager to see what other incredible battles and adventures awaited them. One evening, Seojun lounged on his sofa, scrolling through his cellphone while Huno slept peacefully on his stomach. The apartment was quiet, and the only sound was Huno''s gentle breathing. As Seojun swiped through his feed, a familiar video caught his eye. Curious, he tapped the video to open it. The title read, "Battle with the Dragon", and the thumbnail featured the very same scenes from his recent adventures. As the video yed, showcasing the epic battle against therge Dragon, Cerberus, and the nine-headed Hydra, Seojun''s eyes widened in shock. The footage was unmistakably his, and he quickly sat up in disbelief, causing Huno to tumble off his stomach. Chapter 94: Chapter 94: The GoTube "Sorry, Huno," Seojun muttered, gently picking up his furrypanion and setting him back on the sofa. He focused back on his phone, trying to process what he had just seen. The video had been uploaded on GoTube, the video tform linked with the global system server. Seojun frowned and realized that this was not just an ordinary video but one that had somehow been distributed widely. "System!" he called out urgently, holding his phone in the air to show the video. "What the heck is this?" [Yes, host?] the system responded promptly. Seojun''s voice was tinged with frustration as he demanded, "What''s going on? How did this video get out? No one else knows about the Abyss but us." The system''s hologram screen flickered to life, disying a blue crying emoji and spoke, [I''m really sorry, host. It was me who made the channel and uploaded the video. I didn''t realize it would cause such a stir.] Seojun''s frustration was palpable as he stared at the hologram screen. "You mean to tell me that this is all your doing? Are you serious System?" [I''m really sorry, host. But you don''t have to worry. There''s no way they can recognize you.] Seojun sighed and open the Global system server and went to the GoTube icon. Seojun, determined to understand more about the unexpected attention his channel had received, decided to delve into the Global System Server. He opened the server interface and navigated to the GoTube. "Tsk, tsk," Seojun muttered to himself, clearly irritated. "You even muted the notifications." [Sorry, host. I''ll make sure to keep you informed in the future.] Seojun tapped on the Abyssal Lord Fan channel to see thetest updates. The channel page loaded, revealing impressive statistics: --- [Abyssal Lord Fan Channel Update] Subscribers: 500,000+ Latest Video Views:8,000,000+ Top Comments: "Is this real? The battles look incredible!" "Where is this ce? Did a new zone appear without us knowing?" "The teamwork in this video is amazing. How did they manage to take down those monsters?" "I need to see more of these epic fights! Keep theming!" "Can someone exin how this was filmed? It looks like a different dimension!" Seojun read through thements, which ranged from excitement and disbelief to curiosity about the mysterious battles. Many viewers were questioning the authenticity of the footage, wondering if a new zone had been discovered, and marveling at the impressive teamwork disyed in the video. As he scrolled through thements, The unexpected fame of the Abyssal Lord Fan channel had drawn a lot of attention, but it also posed questions and stirred curiosity among viewers. Seojun continued to scroll through the Abyssal Lord Fan channel, noticing that despite only three videos being posted, the channel had already be a major trend. Each video had thousand of views, and thements section was buzzing with spection, theories, and excitement about the mysterious battles. "How long has this been going on?" Seojun asked, his curiosity piqued. [Three weeks, host. I''ve been posting one video per week. Don''t worry, everything is under control.] Seojun raised an eyebrow. "You''re acting like you''re a human, System." There was a brief pause before the system responded, the blue hologram screen shifting slightly in color. [I was once a human and a god, host. In my current form, I''m a system that functions like a human without a body.] Seojun leaned back on the sofa, curiosity getting the better of him. "System, were you really a god?" [I was, host. A lowly god, the father of monsters. My domain was not grand like the others, but I held power over the monsters.] Seojun nodded, processing the information. a sudden, piercing scream made him wince and cover his ears. "Seojun!" The scream was followed by the appearance of a bright yellow ball of light that floated in front of him, shimmering with energy. Annoyed, Seojun picked his ear, trying to shake off the ringing sound. "Seojun!" The voice came again, louder this time, as the yellow ball of light began circling him rapidly. Seojun frowned. "What did you just call me?" he asked, his voiceced with mild irritation. The light stuttered for a moment before the voice corrected itself. "I mean, Master! Right, Master!" Seojun sighed, his irritation melting into mild exasperation. "Tsk. What do you want, Zyraena?" He asked, shifting his attention back to his phone, scrolling through it nonchntly while Huno, now awake, resettled on his stomach. The yellow ball of light stopped in front of him, pulsing with frustration. "What are you doing, Master?! Why haven''t you started looking for my children?!" Seojun nced at the lightzily. "It''s only been a month and a half, Zyraena. You''re already this impatient?" "But Master..." Seojun continued to scroll through his phone, the soft light from the screen illuminating his face. After a few moments of silence, he spoke up, his voice calm butced with underlying tension. "How about my mother? Have you found her?" Zyraena''s glowing form hesitated, her light flickering slightly as she stuttered, her once confident tone dropping to a low murmur. "N-not yet¡­" Seojun''s gaze hardened, and he stopped scrolling, his thumb hovering over the screen. He looked at Zyraena, his expression unreadable. "Then don''t demand anything from me." The yellow ball of light dimmed further, almost as if shrinking under the weight of his words. Zyraena''s voice, usually somanding and insistent, now carried a note of guilt. "I''m¡­ I''m sorry, Master. I didn''t mean to¡ª" "Enough," Seojun interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. He leaned back into the sofa, closing his eyes briefly as he took a deep breath, trying to push down the frustration and worry that had bubbled up. "You have your task, and I have mine. Focus on finding her. I''ll handle everything else." "Okay, Master¡­" Zyraena''s voice faded, and the yellow light she had be disappeared from the room, leaving Seojun alone. He sighed, staring at the empty space where she had been. "Ahh, I''ve lost my mood," he muttered, feeling the frustration weigh him down. Huno, noticing the change in Seojun''s mood, looked up at him with concerned eyes. Seojun nced at Huno and tried to smile. "Come on, buddy. Let''s go to bed." He stood up from the sofa, leaving his phone on the table, and headed toward the bedroom. Huno followed closely, his footsteps quiet on the floor. When they reached the bed, Seojun sat on the edge and petted Huno. "At least I have you here." Huno barked softly, as if agreeing, and Seojuny down on the bed, pulling the nket over himself. Huno jumped up next to him, curling up by his side. The warmth of his loyalpanion brought somefort, easing a bit of the tension inside Seojun. Chapter 95: Chapter 95: Korea Top Rankers Inside the top floor of the Awakeners Association building, The top 10 rankers of the country were gathered in a sleek, modern conference room. Despite the polished decor, there was a clear sense of unease. Alexa sat in her chair, arms crossed tightly over her chest, her expression a perfect mix of annoyance and boredom. Known for her sharp tongue and bitchy attitude, she made no effort to hide her displeasure. Her foot tapped impatiently against the floor, a clear sign that she would rather be anywhere but here. Across the room, Seo-ha noticed Alexa''s irritation and couldn''t resist poking the bear. "What''s with the mood, Alexa?" Seo-ha asked, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. Alexa rolled her eyes dramatically, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What do you think, Seo-ha? I''ve got better things to do than sit here and listen to whatever nonsense they''re about to spew at us." Seo-ha chuckled, leaning back in her chair, looking as rxed as ever. "hey, at least it''s not boring with you sulking in the corner." Alexa shot her a re. "I''m not sulking. I''m just not in the mood for your crap today, Seo-ha. So do us all a favor and keep yourments to yourself." Seo-ha smirked, clearly enjoying riling Alexa up. "Aww, don''t be like that, We''re all just here trying to survive this meeting. Might as well make it a little more interesting, don''t you think?" "Interesting?" Alexa scoffed. "I''d find it a lot more interesting if you shut up and stayed away from me." Seo-ha leaned in closer, her grin widening. "You know you''d miss me if I did." Before Alexa could retort, the door at the far end of the room swung open, signaling the start of the meeting. With a final, exasperated eye-roll, Alexa turned her attention to the front, though her irritation was still evident in the way she sat stiffly in her chair. Seo-ha, on the other hand, leaned back again, looking as if she was ready to find amusement in whatever came next. The conference room doors opened again, and a figure entered with an undeniable air of confidence and self-assuredness. It was Oh Tae-hyun, the top ranker of Korea, renowned as "Zeus''s Chosen One." His appearance was striking, from his meticulously styled Yellow hair to his impably tailored suit. He radiated an aura of both authority and vanity, a reflection of his divine endorsement by the SS-rank god, Zeus. Tae-hyun took the main seat at the head of the table, admiring himself in apact mirror before tucking it away with a satisfied smile. The other rankers watched him with varying degrees of curiosity and bemusement as his assistant stepped forward tomence the introductions. "Ladies and gentlemen," the assistant began, "I will now introduce our esteemed guests in top ranking order." The assistant continued, "First, we have Oh Tae-hyun, known as Zeus''s Chosen One. The top ranker, holding rank S, and is the Guildmaster of the Olympian Reign Guild." Tae-hyun waved casually, clearly pleased with the announcement. "Next is Kang Dae-won, the Titan of Wrath. A returnee, rank S, and the Guildmaster of the Eternal Return Guild" He sits with amanding presence. As he sits, he leans forward slightly, resting his forearms on his thighs, exuding a sense of readiness and intensity. "Following him is Choi Ji-eun, the Lotus Queen. She holds rank A and is the Guildmaster of the ck Lotus Guild." She maintains an air of regal elegance. Her long, flowing Violet hair is styled neatly, with a few strands framing her delicate face. Dressed in a refined outfit that blends traditional and modern elements, She sits upright, her hands resting gracefully on herp. Her eyes, calm and observing, reflect her high rank and poised nature. "Then we have Min Yoon-ji, known as the Twilight Sorceress holds rank A, and is a member of the ck Lotus Guild." Her silver hair, which falls in waves around her shoulders, contrasts sharply with her violet eyes that hold a mysterious allure. Yoon-ji''s attire, a mix of dark, mystical robes and intricate jewelry, enhances her enigmatic presence. As she sits, she leans back slightly, her fingers gently tracing patterns on the armrest of her chair, her gaze distant and contemtive. "Jang Seo-ha, the Mad Queen.She holds rank A, has no guild affiliation" Seo-ha, reclining with her feet on the table, grinned widely. "That''s me! Hehee," she said, clearly enjoying the attention. She represents a striking figure with her wild, short hair and piercing red eyes. Her attire, a mix of armor and casual wear, reflects her fierce and unpredictable nature. "Lee Min-joon, known as the Phantom King. He holds rank A and is the Guildmaster of the Phantom Requiem." Lee Min-joon, with his enigmatic presence with a ck blindfold silk in his eyes, gave a subtle nod. The assistant then mentioned that three other top ten rankers were absent from this meeting, so their introductions would be skipped for now. Finally, the assistant introduced Alexa. "And here we have Alexa Ford the top 10, also known as the Dual de Vixen. A rank and a member of the Vortex Guild." Alexa, sitting with an unimpressed expression, barely acknowledged the introduction. The assistant finished the introductions and cleared his throat. "Now that everyone has been introduced, the meeting will begin. I ask for everyone''s cooperation as we discuss the important matters ahead." He then stepped back to his spot in the corner of the room, leaving the floor to Oh Tae-hyun. Tae-hyun leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table and cing his chin on his sped hands. He looked around the room, making sure he had everyone''s attention before speaking. Alexa, already annoyed, thought to herself, ''What is this meeting about now?'' She watched Tae-hyun, unimpressed by his confident demeanor, which only added to her irritation. Finally, Tae-hyun broke the silence. "We''re here to talk about the iing wave," he said, his voice calm but serious. Kang Dae-won, who had been sitting quietly until now, suddenly leaned forward, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Oh Great! When?!" he asked, his voice full of energy. Choi Ji-eun felt a surge of annoyance at his reaction but kept her expression calm. She couldn''t understand how he could be so eager about something so dangerous. "Guildmaster Dae-won," Choi Ji-eun spoke up, her voice steady but with a hint of disapproval, "this wave will kill many people. It''s not something to get excited about." Dae-won''s enthusiasm dimmed slightly, realizing that not everyone shared his eagerness for the challenge ahead. Tae-hyun, still smiling, continued, "Our intelligence tells us the wave will hit in the next Month or 2. We need to be prepared¡ªevery guild, every ranker. If we fail, the consequences will be severe." The room grew quiet as the seriousness of the situation set in. Even Seo-ha, who usually seemed carefree, recognized that this was no time for jokes. ---- For those interested, I invite you to check out the Auxiliary Chapter featuring character images with their status (Vol. 1 Characters and Vol. 2 already Published Chapter Characters.) The main character''s family details are included in that section. If you want to avoid spoilers, please refrain from scrolling and return to your reading. Chapter 96: Chapter 96: Discussion of the upcoming disaster As the room fell quiet, Min Yoon-ji, the Twilight Sorceress, leaned forward and asked, "Is iting early this year?" Tae-hyun nodded. "Yes, it is," he replied. "That''s why we have to be prepared. We can''t afford to lose many people." The room grew tense as everyone realized how serious the situation was. An early wave meant they would have even less time to get ready, making things more dangerous. Seo-ha, always the one to lighten the mood, jumped in with a grin. "Well, you guys are lucky it didn''t take long for you to get back," she said with augh. "Where did the global system summon youst month?" Her sudden excitement broke some of the tension in the room, drawing curious nces from the others as they waited for a response. Tae-hyun answered, "The Tower." Seo-ha''s eyes lit up with excitement. "Ohhh, Tower? How was it? Is it fun?!... It''s sad that the global system didn''t select me, That would''ve been really fun! What happened there?!" Lee Min-joon, the Phantom King, who now had a ck crow perched on his shoulder, spoke up. "The global system announced that new zones will be appearing after the wave." "After the Wave the Global System will released the Videos of what hapened in the Tower" Tae-hyun mutteted, This news caught the attention of everyone in the room, except Alexa, who was more focused on inspecting her nails. Choi Ji-eun noticed and asked, "Any news on finding a way to break your curse?" Alexa sighed deeply, her frustration evident. "No hope," she replied, her voice t and resigned. Min Yoon-ji, who had been quietly observing, spoke up. "I heard about what happenedst month. Alex forcefully used his skills." Before Alexa could respond, Tae-hyun cut in sharply, "Let''s focus on the main topic here, not on small things that can wait until after this meeting." Alexa shot a re at Tae-hyun, clearly irritated by his interruption, but he ignored her, showing no concern for her reaction. As the meeting progressed, the rankers engaged in detailed discussions about strategy, resource allocation, and contingency ns. Each one contributed their insights and expertise, working to refine their approach to the impending wave. The atmosphere was intense but focused, each ranker aware of the gravity of the situation. Finally, the assistant stepped forward and addressed the room. "The meeting is concluded. Thank you all for your valuable contributions." A heavy tension settled in the room as the rankers exchanged nces filled with unspoken rivalries. Guildmaster Dae-won stood up and approached Tae-hyun with a smirk. "See you at the PvP tournaments," Dae-won said, his voice dripping with challenge. "I''ll be taking your ce." He gave Tae-hyun a knowing look before turning away. Tae-hyun remained silent, his expression impassive as he absorbed Dae-won''s taunt. Choi Ji-eun, clearly frustrated, pushed her chair back with a loud scrape and stood up. "I have other matters to attend to," she said curtly before walking out without another word. Lee Min-joon, wearing his signature ck silk blindfold, approached Min Yoon-ji. He ced a hand on her shoulder and whispered something into her ear. Min Yoon-ji responded by gripping his hand tightly, though she avoided meeting his gaze. As Lee Min-joon removed the ck silk blindfold everyone deliberately avoiding looking at him. Min Yoon-ji, though clearly unsettled by the interaction, showed no sign of fear. She stood up and left, herposure intact. Lee Min-joon put the blindfold back on and offered a final nod. "Goodbye, everyone. Until next time." With that, he exited the room. As the room began to empty, Seo-ha''s grin widened. "Wow, that was intense! I thought someone was going to pick a fight. What a shame it didn''t happen." Ignoring Seo-ha, Tae-hyun turned to Alexa. "Alexa," he said, his tone serious. Seo-ha muttered under her breath, "What am I, air?" Tae-hyun approached Alexa, moving behind her. He ced a hand on her shoulder, giving it a slight, almost imperceptible massage. He leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "The PvP tournament areing up." Alexa tensed slightly but didn''t turn around. "I''m aware," she replied coolly, her voice steady despite the closeness. "If you don''t find a cure for your curse by then, your rank may be at risk." Alexa raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Is that a threat or a friendly reminder, Tae-hyun?" Tae-hyun''s gaze remained unyielding. "Consider it a warning. If only you had epted my proposal, your twin and your curse would already be dealt with. Your ranking position wouldn''t be in danger." Alexa''s expression tightened, but she kept her voice calm. "I''ve made my decision. I don''t need your proposal to handle my problems." Tae-hyun''s gaze was unyielding. "Just remember, the offer still stands. The consequences of refusing could be significant." He turned and walked away, leaving them in the meeting room. Alexa took a deep breath, as if trying to calm herself and regainposure. She inhaled slowly, her chest rising and falling in a controlled rhythm. Seo-ha, still leaning casually against her chair, watched the exchange with amusement. "Tae-hyun really has it in for you, huh?" she said nonchntly, munching on a piece of popcorn. Alexa shot her an annoyed look, her patience wearing thin then quickly nced at the door where Tae-hyun had just left and immediately turn back to Seoha. "Where the heck are you getting popcorn from?" she demanded, grabbing her popcorn. Seo-ha''s grin widened as she continued to munch. "Oh, I brought it with me. Didn''t you see?" Alexa''s frustration was evident as she red at Seo-ha. "Seriously? We''re in a meeting, and you''re snacking like it''s a movie night?" Seo-ha shrugged, unfazed. "Hey, I like to be prepared. It makes everything more entertaining." As the room continued to clear out, Alexa shook her head in disbelief, her irritation momentarily shifting to bemusement as she watched Seo-ha enjoy her popcorn. Alexa stood up abruptly, her frustration evident. "Ugh, I''m getting out of here," she said, heading toward the exit of the meeting room. Seoha chuckled, but then noticed she had left her phone behind she grabbed it and hurried after Alexa. As she exited the room, she saw Alexa standing still in the hallway. "You left your phone!" Seo-ha called out, running to catch up. She found Alexa staring ahead, seemingly frozen in ce. Following her gaze, Seo-ha saw a pale woman standing in front of them. Alexa''s jaw tightened, and she clenched her fists. Seo-ha caught up to her but deliberately avoided looking at the woman. Seo-ha cleared her throat, trying to lighten the mood. "You''rete! The meeting is already finished, haha." The pale woman with red eyes and deep ck hair ignored Seo-ha''sment and walked closer until she was directly in front of Alexa. "Fancy meeting you again, Ms. Ford," she said, her voice smooth and cold. Chapter 97: Chapter 97: It was based in the Game Alexa avoided the woman''s gaze, trying to keep herposure. The woman''s pale fingers reached out and brushed a strand of Alexa''s hair away from her face. "Looks like you''re having fun," she said with a cold edge. "Despite the fact that you''ve destroyed someone''s life." "It isn''t our fault," Alexa replied defsively. The woman''s eyes, a striking red with a glint of malice, narrowed. "Dial," she said softly. "At least you got karma. What''s life like with a curse, Ms. Ford?" she added. Alexa''s frustration boiled over. She shoved the woman away and began to walk faster. From behind, she heard the woman''s whispered insult, "Bitch." Alexa''s face tighted with anger, but she didn''t look back. Instead, she quicked her pace, determined to put distance betwe herself and the unsettling counter. As Alexa exited the building, she nearly stumbled, but her brother Alex caught her just in time. "Are you okay?" Alex asked, concern in his voice. "I saw her ter the building." "Yeah, we crossed paths," Alexa replied, still shak. "Is she still angry?" Alex inquired, noticing her distress. Alexa nodded, her frustration evidt. "Yes." "It''s not like it''s our fault," Alex said, helping her into their car. He th slid into the driver''s seat. As Alex started the gine, Alexa leaned her head against the window, lost in thought. Her mind drifted back to the evts of five years ago, the memoriesing back in vivid shes as they drove away. Five years ago, a gbreaking VR game called Ethereal Online means escape the reality became a global ssation. It was the first VR game ever made, and it quickly became a huge hit a the world. The game used advanced capsules to transport yers'' minds directly into a virtual world where they could freely choose their characters. Whether they wanted to be a swordsman, assassin, archer, or any other ss, yers had dless options. They could explore fantastdscapes, battle monsters, level up, raid dungeons, andplete quests. The game''s realism and depth made it incredibly immersive. Before Ethereal Online, the Ford Company was struggling with bankruptcy and losing hope. The Ford twins, Alexa and her brother Alex, had almost giv up until they dreamed of an unknown man who inspired them with the idea of VR. This vision led to the creation of Ethereal Online, turning thepany''s fortunes a and making it a huge sess. As the game''s anniversary approached, it was set to receive a massive update. However, the update came as a surprise ev to the Ford Company, appearing suddly without prior notice. Just before Ethereal Online shut down, the game made onest announcemt on its own, leaving yers and the world in stunned anticipation. [Announcemt Notification] Ethereal Online ¨C Update Loading... Update Sessful! [Atttion, Beings of Earth! The gods and goddesses have heard your wishes and the joy you found in ying. Your desires are now granted as they transform your world based on the realms of Ethereal Online. Prepare for a new reality where the game bes your world. Embrace the unprecedted changes and experices ahead.] GAME TUTORIAL ACTIVATED After the announcemt, All scres and devices shut down, an earthquake struck, causing everyone to panic. However, after the quake, nothing else happed, and the devices and scres returned to normal, but the game hadpletely vanished and people thought about the announcemt is just a prank made by thepany. Ev thepany, Ford, was in shock and trying to figure out what had urred. Th, in a room in their building, arge crystal appeared. They didn''t know what it was and couldn''t approach it, as an invisible barrier sured it. No matter what they tried, the crystal remained untouched. As they tried to figure out what had happed to Ethereal Online and what the crystal was, days passed, and people began disappearing¡ªstarting with Seojun. Evtually, as they nned to bomb the crystal, it suddly glowed, and that''s wh everything changed. A huge scre appeared in the sky, and the game tutorial began, marking the first existce of the global system A massive crack appeared in the sky. It was clear now that the Ethereal Online game tutorial had turned into a reality. In the chaos, people began ming the Ford family, and among them was Lilith dimir. Her family had died in the disaster, leaving her alone and filled with rage. She wanted revge and dreamed of seeing the Ford family''s blood. In the brink of death, She was chos by dimir, an S-rank vampire god. She survived the disaster by transforming her into a powerful vampire through dimir''s blood. Taking on the name Lilith dimir, she vowed to destroy the Ford family for what they had caused. Alexa sighed as she thought about Lilith dimir. "Her name doesn''t suit her," she muttered. "Lilith sounds too innoct for someone like her. Tsk." Her gaze drifted to a floating ind in the sky, one of the zones she had designed and added to the game. A wave of regret washed over her. "I''m sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "I never imagined it woulde to this. I wish we could have done something to prevt it." She looked away, feeling the weight of her guilt. Alex nced in the rearview mirror, watching his twin sister as she sat in the backseat, staring out the window. The city streets blurred past, and the low hum of the car gine filled the silce betwe them. Finally, Alex broke the quiet. "So," he began, keeping his eyes on the road ahead, "what was the meeting all about?" Alexa''s annoyed face reflected in the rearview mirror as she huffed in frustration. "Ugh, it''s just Seo-ha. Her attitude pisses me off! And don''t ev get me started on Tae-hyun. He seriously thinks I''m easy to get? If he wants me to be his wife, he should put in some effort!" Alex chuckled, amused by her irritation. "So, he''s not giving up, huh?" "Obviously not!" Alexa rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "He''s reltless." Alexughed, the sound light and teasing. "By the way, How''s Seojun doing? He''s be good, right?" Alexa fell silt for a momt, her gaze shifting to her hands as they fidgeted in herp. "Uhmm¡­ Brother, I didn''t get a chance to see him yet. The meeting was so sudd." Alex shook his head, a mix of exasperation and amusemt on his face. "The meeting was at a.m. Just what time did you wake up?" Alexa startedbing her hair with her fingers, a pout forming on her lips. "I stayed uptest night, so I woke up at 9 a.m. Th Seo-ha just dragged me into the meeting without any warning. Hmph." Alex sighed, the sound half fond and half resigned. "That''s fine. I already bought his groceries and a few other things he might need." Chapter 98: Chapter 98: Visiting Seojun Alexa startedbing her hair with her fingers, a pout forming on her lips. "I stayed uptest night, so I woke up at 9. Th Seo-ha just dragged me into the meeting without any warning. Hmph." Alex sighed, the sound half fond and half resigned. "That''s fine. I already bought his groceries and a few other things he might need." "Wait, you did?!" Alexa asked, shocked. "Th why did you ask me if I brought them over? You already knew I didn''t! Damn you, brother." Alex''sughter filled the car, a yful grin spreading across his face. "I just wanted to mess with you. Don''t be so serious." Alexa shook her head, though a small smile tugged at her lips despite herself. "You''re impossible." They continued down the road, the city gradually fading into the distance as they drove towards a quieter part of town. Alex''s tone shifted to a more contemtive one. "How do you think Seojun looks now? He''s be staying home so much¡ªit''s not like him." Alexa smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Ha! He''s probably gott chubby by now, with a belly full of foods." "Isn''t that better, though?" Alex mused as he turned a corner. "Before, he was so thin that ev his bones were showing. He was as light as a feather." "That was before," Alexa agreed, her voice softing as she thought about their brother. "But now that I think about it¡­ He still hasn''t told us where he was that week he disappeared. And wh he came back, he had money and gained weight¡­" Alex''s thoughts drifted back to the changes they had noticed in Seojun. "You know," he said, almost to himself, "he''s be so strange since th." Alexa leaned back, crossing her arms. "Well, gaining weight looks good on him," she replied, trying to sound nonchnt. Alex nced at his sister through the rearview mirror, a grin forming on his lips. "Yeah, but do you remember wh you didn''t ev recognize him and tried to get his number? That was hrious!" Alexa''s cheeks turned a deep shade of red, and she reached forward, yfully pping her brother''s shoulder. "Stop it, brother! I didn''t know it was him! He changed so much! I was used to him with those bangs covering half of his face, bones sticking out, and pimples everywhere." Alex smirked, joying her embarrassmt. "But you can''t dy that you had a crush on Seojun that time." Alexa sputtered, her blush intsifying. "I-I''m not! There you go again, teasing me! If you don''t stop, I''m going to kick this car door op!" Alex burst intoughter, shaking his head. "Okay, okay, chill, sis! I''m just messing with you." Alexa huffed, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Despite her protests, she couldn''t help but think about how differt Seojun had be. The shy, frail boy she once knew had transformed into someone almost unrecognizable. She wasn''t sure if it was just the physical changes or something deeper, but it left her feeling unsettled. The car rolled to a stop at a red light, and Alex took the opportunity to nce back at his sister, his expression softing. "But really, it''s crazy how much he''s changed. I almost don''t recognize him sometimes, either." Alex chuckled softly to himself. "But seriously, you trying to get his number... That''s going in the family history book." Alexa groaned, covering her face with her hands. "Ugh, I''m never going to live that down, am I?" "Not a chance," Alex replied with a grin and they be quiet Alex smiling. Alexa sighed deeply, resting her chin on her hands as she leaned forward, her elbows propped on her knees. "It''s a shame that he''ll be a chubby guy," she mused, her voice tinged with regret. "What a waste of his looks." Alex nodded thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the road ahead but his mind clearly elsewhere. "Yeah, it''s strange, isn''t it? He''s changed so much. I mean, Seojun was always the hardworking type¡ªjuggling three jobs at once, never sitting still without something to do. And now¡­ now he''s be holed up in that apartmt for a month without stepping outside." Alexa straighted up in her seat, her gaze fixed out the window as if trying to piece together a puzzle that refused to make sse. "Seojun didn''t know about the Tower," she said slowly, her voice thoughtful. "Where all the returnees wt. Just where was he during those five years? I hope he didn''t suffer¡­ and I really hope he won''t turn out like those other returnees, Arrogants" The car came to a smooth stop in front of the apartmt building. Alexa nced outside and blinked, slightly surprised. "Oh, we''re here?" "Yep," Alex confirmed as he turned off the gine and stepped out of the car. "It''s be two weeks since west visited Seojun. Hope he miss us" Alex chuckles and He made his way to the trunk and began unloading the bags of groceries they had brought. Alexa quickly joined him, grabbing a few bags herself. As they tered the apartmt building, the staff at the front desk immediately greeted them with polite smiles. "Good afternoon, Ms. Alexa, Mr. Alex!" "Good afternoon," Alexa replied warmly, while Alex gave a nod of acknowledgmt. One of the staff members moved forward, offering to help with the bags, but Alexa waved them off with a smile. "We''ve got this, thank you." The staff nodded and stepped back, allowing the siblings to continue on their way. As they passed through the lobby, they could feel the curious gazes of the other residts and visitors resting on them. A few girls sitting on a couch in the corner whispered among themselves, their eyes fixed on Alex. "Isn''t Alex so handsome?" one of the girls murmured, her voice filled with admiration. "He''s so my type!" another replied, her tone wistful. "But he''s too rich for me. Huhuu..." "Yeah, right? Can''t believe they bought this building just for their useless frid!" Alexa''s jaw clched slightly at thestmt, but she and Alex kept their heads held high, ignoring the murmurs as they headed towards the elevator. The rumors and whispers were nothing new to them; they were used to it by now. Still, it never failed to irk Alexa how people could be so judgmtal without knowing the full story. As they stepped out of the elevator on Seojun''s floor and another group of girlsapproached those in the lobby,One of them was practically squealing with excitemt. "Oh my god girls, look at this guy! He''s so hot!" she eximed, pointing at the scre where she had tak a photo of a guy with a toned body and abs, messy short brown hair, and striking blue eyes. "Wow, who is that?" another girl asked, her eyes widing as she leaned in for a closer look. "We crossed paths in the gym earlier," the first girl said, barely able to contain her thusiasm. "Just look at his abs, especially those blue eyes and that messy hair!" "Is he a new tant?" one of the girls asked, still staring at the photo. While the others sighed viously, another girl finally spoke up, her tone resigned. "What a waste. He''s not an awaker. Seeing him in this building just proves that." Chapter 99: Chapter 99: Went out A guy approached the group of girls, plopping down beside them. "Stop wasting your time on that poor guy," he sneered, ncing over at the photo they were fawning over. "You''re just jealous, brother!" one of the girls shot back, rolling her eyes.The guy scoffed, his expression smug. "Me? Jealous? Not a chance. I may not be as handsome as him, but at least I''ve got money. Unlike that guy, who''s eating noodles at a convice store earlier" "He is?!" the girls eximed in unison, shocked. The guy smirked but didn''t bother to answer. Instead, he pulled out his phone and oped a video from Terratube. On the scre was a video of a man with long hair, fighting alongside a Cerberus and a Hydra against a massive Ctipede Que. The man moved with incredible speed and grace, his every motion precise as he battled the monstrous creature. The sce was intse, filled with shes of power and the roars of the beasts. As the elevator reached the rooftop, Alexa inhaled deeply, joying the fresh air. "Oh, the air feels so good," she sighed, rxing as the breeze brushed her face.Wh she oped her eyes, her gaze fell upon an astonishing sight. A man was performing push-ups, but instead of using his hands, he was bncing on one finger, his body perfectly aligned in an upside-down position. "Who is that?" Alexa eximed, her eyes widing in disbelief. Alex, noticing her reaction, couldn''t help butugh. He quickly set down the bags of groceries and whipped out his phone. As he started snapping pictures, Alexa''s confusion turned into panic. "Wait! Ahh! What are you doing, brother?!" Alexa protested. "Taking photos?" Alex chuckled. "Hahaa, can''t you recognize him? Who else do you think is living here?" Alexa''s eyes wided in shock. Realization hit her, and she covered her mouth with her hands, walking slowly towards the man. As she approached, she saw it was Seojun, performing his exercise with ease and strgth. Seojun noticed her and stopped, gracefully transitioning from his push-up position. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his shirt, revealing a fit and muscr physique. He was not the chubby guy they had imagined he''ll be; instead, he looked strong and well-defined. "You''re here," Seojun said quietly. Alexa, still stunned, sat down and stared at Seojun. "Impossible," she whispered. Seojun''s body was the exact opposite of what they had expected. Instead of being overweight, he was lean and muscr. His abs were clearly defined, and his physique was impressive. Alex continued to take photos, joying the momt. "Looks like someone''s a bit star-struck," he teased. As Seojun looked at Alexa, a small smile crept onto his face. "This is the second time I''ve se that reaction," Alexa''s face turned crimson. She quickly turned away, her embarrassmt evidt. "S-shut up! You think you look good?! You''re so fucking ugly!" she yelled, before storming inside and mming the door behind her. Alex chuckled and shook his head, watching the whole sce unfold. "You really don''t fail in making my sister shy. She was so down earlier." Seojun raised an eyebrow, taking a bottle of drink from the grocery bags Alex was carrying. "Did something happ?" "I''ll tell youter," Alex replied. "By the way, here''s your one week''s groceries. What we brought before was ough, right?" "Perfect timing," Seojun said, nodding. "I just finished thest of the groceries earlier and wt out to eat. Let''s head inside." The two of them tered the apartmt. Alexa was on the sofa, her arms crossed, staring at the TV scre with a scowl. Alex looked at her and th turned to Seojun. "What did you eat outside?" he asked. Seojun nced at Alexa, who was still fuming but clearly trying to focus on the TV. Earlier that day, Seojun had just finished eating his breakfast. He let out a small sigh as he got up from the table, grabbing Huno''s leash. As soon as Huno saw the leash, he barked excitedly, circling a Seojun''s legs. [I''m d you''re going out, Host.] "Yeah, right," Seojun replied in a bored tone, rolling his eyes slightly. Finally going out of his apartmt. With Huno still wagging his tails in excitemt, Seojun clipped the leash onto his cor. He made his way out of the apartmt, Huno obeditly following beside him. The elevator was only a short walk away, and Seojun pressed the button to call it. As he waited. Wh the elevator arrived, Seojun and Huno stepped inside. Seojun pressed the button for the gym floor, leaning back against the wall as the elevator began its desct. The ride was quiet, save for the asional hum of the elevator and Huno''s soft panting. As the doors slid op on the gym floor, Seojun stepped out, scanning the area. The gym was moderately busy, with a few people already gaged in their morning routines. Seojun was about to head straight to the workout area wh he noticed a small desk near the trance. "Oh, right," Seojun muttered, realizing he hadn''t gone through any formal process wh tering the gym. He approached the desk, where a staff member sat, grossed in something on herputer. "First time here?" the staff member asked, barely looking up from her scre. "Yeah," Seojun replied, feeling a bit out of ce. The staff member finally nced up and noticed Huno. "Uh, you''ll need to check in first," she said, trying to maintain herposure. "And... Is that a Dog?" Seojun look at the staff frowning why a dog shock her, The staff notice Seojun serious stare she feels goosebump and gave a card "I didn''t speak the pets lobby will be able to use... Anyway Sir, This is the card for the Pet''s lobby so your dog can roam there." Seojun nodded and handed over his details as requested, filling out the necessary forms. It felt odd, going through such a mundane process after everything he had be through, but he wt along with it. After a few minutes, he was giv a keycard for future visits. "Thanks," Seojun said, taking the card. He th turned his atttion to Huno, who was curiously sniffing a. "Come on, let''s check out that pet area first." The staff member pointed him in the direction of the pet area, a section of the gym designed for pets to exercise and socialize. It was a spacious, well-lit area but there''s no any pet, Seojun shrug and Huno barked happily as he unclipped his leash, letting him run free along. After leaving Huno in the pet area, Seojun walked back to the main gym and started his exercises. The staff at the desk watched him for a momt, thinking, ''Is he a new tant?'' Chapter 100: Chapter 100: Infinite Gold Coins After a long run, he finally slowed down, letting the treadmille to a stop. He hopped off, feeling ergized rather than tired, and stretched his arms. The system''s congrattion echoed in his mind, reminding him that he was only getting stronger. As Seojun finished his workout, he suddly felt a hunger. Just as he was about to leave the gym, the system''s voice echoed in his mind. Seojun made his way back to the main gym area. He found a quiet corner and began his warm-up, stretching his muscles and preparing for the routine ahead. His mind drifted for a momt, recalling the old days wh he would train alone, pushing himself to his limits without much thought of rest. The gym floor wasn''t as quiet as the ces he was used to, but it was still a ce where he could focus. While he was wiping the sweat from his face, Seojun heard a soft *click*. He looked up and saw a girl quickly turning away, her face bright red. She had tak a picture of him but tried to act like nothing had happed. He just shook his head, amused, and wt back to his exercises, letting the momt pass. Seojun stepped onto the treadmill, starting at a steady pace as the belt moved beath him. The gym was busy, but he was focused on his run. His breathing was steady, and his body moved with ease. [Host, I advise you to go out and eat since you finished what was left earlier.] Seojun paused for a momt. "Ah, right," he muttered, realizing he had eat thest of his food earlier in the day. With nothing left to cook at home, he decided it was a good idea to head out for a meal. He picked up Huno from the pets area, attached the leash, and made his way out of the gym. "Let''s go, Huno," he said as they stepped outside, both ready to find something to eat. As Seojun left the gym, the staff who had noticed him earlier watched him go. Another staff member walked up and asked, "It''s the first time I''ve se him?" "Yeah, it''s his first time here. He might be a new tant," she replied, still a bit surprised. Stepping outside, Seojun looked a. The streets were quiet but filled with people walking by. The area had a calm atmosphere, with the sun setting behind tall buildings. He noticed a small park nearby where kids were ying, and people were sitting on bches, joying the eving. The sce felt peaceful, a nice contrast to the busy city life. As he continued walking, Seojun spotted a convice store at the corner of the street. which looked like conviie store a typical 7-Elev. The bright, neon sign glowed in the eving light, and therge windows showcased rows of neatly stocked shelves. As he stepped inside, the cool st of air conditioning greeted him, a nice relief from the warm eving air. The interior was well-lit, with aisles filled with instant noodles, chips, sandwiches, and other quick bites. The sound of soft music yed in the backg, adding to the cozy atmosphere. Seojun grabbed a basket, deciding to pick up a few things while he was here. Huno, being well-trained, sat by the trance, patitly waiting. Seojun browsed the shelves, picking up some ram, a couple of drinks, and a few snacks. As he made his way to the counter, the cashier gave him a fridly nod. Wh he took out Alex''s ck card, the cashier said, "The total is 65 Gold coins." Seojun was surprised and asked, "Gold coins? " Seojun was shocked wh the cashier said the total was 65 gold coins. "Wait, it should be in won," he said, confused. The system''s voice in his head exined, [Four years ago, the currcy in every country changed from dors, y, piso, won to gold coins.] The cashier looked at Seojun, puzzled, and th at the ck card he held. "Are you paying with a card, sir?" Seojun nodded and handed over the ck card. The cashier swiped it, and the transaction wt through smoothly. Seojun and Huno settled into a small seating area near the back. Seojun set down the bags and began unpacking their food, eager to dig into their meal. He oped the instant ram cups and poured hot water from the dispser, letting them sit for a few minutes. As he prepared the food, he inhaled the rich, savory aroma of the noodles. A nostalgic smile spread across his face. "I miss this" Seojun said, taking in theforting smell. Huno looked up with interest as Seojun oped the drinks and snacks. Seojun served the ram and started eating, savoring the taste of the familiar dish. Huno happily munched on his snacks, contt with the treats. After finishing their meal, Seojun drank some water and felt satisfied. Curious about his financial status, he oped his status scre and navigated to the Wallet . He saw a horizontal figure 8 symbol. ''Isn''t that a Infinity Symbol?'' He thought [Yes, Host. Your bnce is currtly Infinite, meaning unlimited. Would you like to make a card?] Seojun thought for a momt and replied, "Hmm, yeah. Better than using Alex''s money." [Processing the creation of your card. Please wait a momt.] Initializing Card Creation¡­ Design Parameters: Selecting sleek and shimmering design. Security Protocols: Implemting high-level cryption and authtication. As Seojun waited, he noticed a group of girls taking pictures nearby while some boys red at him. He thought, This neighborhood seems normal. [This neighborhood is designated for Non-Awaked individuals. Awakers are forbidd from using their skills or powers here.] His system spoke while in his scre is showing the process. Linking ount: Connecting card to Infinite Bnce. Gerating Card: Creating virtual card with unique idtifiers. Final Verification: Ensuring all details are urate and secure. The notification th chimed, [Card creationplete. Your card is now avable for use. It is loaded with billions of Gold coins. If the bnce ever bes depleted or the card is lost, you can create a new one at any time.] Seojun nced a, and the system chimed in, [The card is now securely ced in your pocket to avoid any suspicion.] He reached into his pocket and retrieved a sleek, ck card with an aura of dark elegance. It bore the emblem of an twined serpt and dragon with a infinity symbol and word ABYSS. The card disyed the following details: Card Number: 7394 560 845 37 Expiration Date: No Expiration Card Holder: Han Seojun The system th notified him, [This Abyss card can be used at any bank or financial institution. It is universally epted and carries unlimited ess to your ount. Use it as needed without concern for limitations.] Seojun looked at the Abyss card with a thoughtful expression. "System, Exin exactly how the gold coins work." [Okay Host,] the system replied. [Here are a few examples to illustrate the value of Gold Coins in practical terms] Basic Meal: A meal at a mid-range restaurant cost is 500 Gold Coins. Monthly Rt:The average monthly rt for a one-bedroom apartmt in a city cter In Gold Coins is 0,000 Gold Coins. Luxury Car: A high-d sports car typically would be million Gold Coins. Luxury House: A luxurious house is 50 million Gold Coins. Education: A year''s tuition at a prestigious university could be about 500,000 Gold Coins." [This should give you a clear understanding of how Gold Coins convert to real-world costs.] ''Hmm Nice'' Seojun muttered. Chapter 101: Chapter 101: Mom is in US? How? Back to prest. Alex stood in the kitch, arranging the groceries they had just brought back. The smell of fresh ingredits filled the air, reminding Seojun of the simple pleasures he had missed over the past few years. Alex paused, turning to Seojun with a grin. "You missed Ram, huh? Don''t you want to eat like those in the restaurant?" Alex teased, his tone light. Seojun, who was helping put away the food, hesitated, his eyes flickering towards his sister, Alexa, who sat on the sofa, staring at the TV scre. The silce in the room was thick, the unspok tsion betwe them almost palpable. "Stop forcing him, Alex," Alexa said firmly, not taking her eyes off the scre. Her voice carried a gtle reprimand, protective yet understanding. Alex chuckled, undeterred. "Still shy, sister?" he asked, moving to the refrigerator to store the rest of the items. Seojun remained quiet, his hands busy but his mind elsewhere. "Come on, Seojun," Alex said, this time softer, almost coaxing. "You''ll start going out now, right?" Seojun nodded siltly, a small but significant gesture that spoke volumes. It was a step forward, however small, and both Alex and Alexa understood its importance. "Can you two hurry up?!" Alexa called out, her patice wearing thin as she looked back at her brothers. There was an urgcy in her voice, something more pressing than just the TV show she was watching. Alex nudged Seojun gtly towards the sofa, guiding him to sit next to Alexa. He joined them, ssing the shift in the atmosphere. Alexa turned the volume down on the TV, her eyes now focused on Seojun. "We found Auntie Seoyang," Alexa said softly, her words cutting through the room like a knife. The weight of her statemt hung in the air, heavy and filled with emotion. As Seojun processed the information, the room fell silt. Seojun stood up abruptly, the news hitting him harder than he had anticipated. Without a second thought, he grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair, determination etched on his face. "Where are you going?" Alex asked, his voiceced with concern as he watched his younger brother prepare to leave. "To Mom," Seojun replied firmly, his eyes focused and resolute. "I''m in a good state now, so resting days are over." Before he could take another step, Alexa reached out and grabbed his arm, her grip tight. "Wait!" she eximed, her voice urgt. "It''s not exactly that we found Auntie." Seojun frowned, confusion clouding his features. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with frustration. The rity he had just momts ago began to slip away, reced by uncertainty. "Let''s sit down," Alex suggested, motioning towards the sofa. He tried to keep his tone light, adding, "Come on, sister, you should stop doing that. What if Seojun gets pissed?" He chuckled softly, but hisughter died away wh he noticed the seriousness in Seojun''s eyes. "Mom is an important matter," Seojun said quietly, his voice steady but carrying the weight of his emotions. "So don''t joke a" Alexa nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I''m sorry," she began, her voice softing. Seojun hesitated but evtually sat down, his eyes fixed on Alexa, waiting for her to continue. Alex joined them, his usual carefree demeanor reced by a rare seriousness. "We didn''t find her, exactly," Alexa exined, choosing her words carefully. "So where is she?" Seojun asked, his voice steady, though a hint of impatice seeped through. "She''s currtly in United States of America" Alex answered. Alex leaned back on the sofa, running a hand through his hair as he gathered his thoughts. He knew the news he was about to deliver would be a shock to Seojun, but there was no easy way to say it. "She''s currtly in the US," Alex finally said, his voice steady but cautious. Seojun blinked, stunned by the revtion. "The USA?" he repeated, his mind racing. "How did Mom d up in the USA?" He had expected their search to lead them to a nearby city, maybe ev another country in Asia¡ªbut the other side of the world? His mother felt ev more distant now, the vast ocean betwe them only adding to the weight on his shoulders. Alexa, noticing the confusion and worry in Seojun''s eyes, quickly stepped in to exin further. "We don''t know all the details yet," she said gtly. "We''re still trying to find the exact location where Auntie is. But don''t worry, we''ll know for sure in a week." Alex and Alexa exchanged uneasy nces as they observed Seojun, who had fall into a deep silce after the revtion about their mother. He seemed lost in thought, his expression unreadable. It wasn''t like Seojun to retreat into himself like this, and it made the twins ufortable. While Alex and Alexa struggled with their growing concern, Seojun was focused inward, calling out to the presce that had be with him for as long as he could remember. Zyraa, you heard that? Yes, Master! Zyraa''s voice echoed in his mind, always sharp and ready. I''m going to start finding her right away. Seojun nodded subtly, his confidce rewed. If Zyraa was on the case, finding his mother would be a much easier task. It''s only a matter of time now, he thought, already nning his next steps. Time to start wrapping things up. "Seojun?" Alexa''s voice broke through his thoughts. He blinked and looked up, finding both Alex and Alexa watching him with worry in their eyes. "You okay?" Alex asked, his usual carefree tone reced by something more serious. Seojun gave a small nod, but his mind was already moving to a new topic. He sat back on the sofa, his expression unreadable. "Let''s talk about your curse," he said suddly. The twins stared at him, caught off guard by the abrupt change in conversation. Alexa''s eyes wided in shock, while Alex looked momtarily puzzled. "Why?" Alexa asked, her voice edged with defsivess. "It''s not like you can help us." "Just tell me," Seojun insisted, his gaze steady as he leaned back into the sofa, waiting for an answer. Alex sighed, realizing that Seojun wasn''t going to let this go. He exchanged a look with Alexa, who seemed hesitant. But Seojun''s seriousness and determination left them little choice. If he wanted to know, they would tell him. Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Alex and Alexa Curse "It happed a year ago," Alex began. "We were training some of our guild members in a D-rank dungeon. It was supposed to be easy, but everything changed wh we reached the boss room." "The dungeon turned on us," Alexa added, her voice shaky. "The boss was gone, reced by a specter¡ªa powerful, cursed tity." "The systems glitched," Alex continued. "The dungeon''s rank suddly spiked from D to A and The specter hit us with the *Specter Grasp* curse. We tried to fight back, but the curse drained our ergy every time we used our skills. We couldn''t stop it." Alexa''s eyes filled with sorrow. "All our guild members died in that dungeon. We were the only ones who made it out, but we didn''t escape unscathed. The curse followed us. It''s be draining us ever since." "Our gods¡­ they abandoned us," Alex said, his voice heavy. "After that day¡­ nothing. It''s like they turned their backs on us." "We''ve tried everything to break the curse," Alexa added. "But nothing works." Seojun leaned back on the sofa, deep in thought. After hearing Alex and Alexa''s story, he knew he needed more information to help them. Siltly, he called out in his mind, "System, can you analyze their curse?" The system''s voice responded quickly. [I''ll try, host.] Seojun felt a faint hum in his mind as the system began its analysis. A soft sound filled the air, but only Seojun could hear it. The twins, Alex and Alexa, noticed Seojun''s sudd silce and exchanged confused looks. "Seojun?" Alex asked, leaning forward slightly. "Is something wrong?" Seojun didn''t respond immediately. He was focused on the system''s work, waiting for it toplete the analysis. The twins grew more uneasy, unsure of what was happing. "Seojun, are you okay?" Alexa asked softly, concern in her voice. "Just give me a minute," Seojun replied calmly, still conctrating on the system. Finally, the system''s voice returned. [Analysisplete.] A blue hologram suddly appeared in front of Seojun, visible only to him. It disyed information about the curse that had be ced on the twins. [Specter''s Grasp - Rank: S] Curse Type: Soul-binding. Effects: Drains ergy and blocks the use of skills. The curse feeds on the victim''s strgth, keeping them weak. Origin: A rare and powerful curse that can alter the rank of a dungeon. It binds itself to the soul, making it extremely difficult to remove. Weakness: The curse can be weaked by disrupting the Specter''s connection to its victims. Finding and destroying the Specter''s core is the key to breaking the curse. Seojun read the information carefully, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the details. The Specter''s Grasp was a Rank S curse, one of the most dangerous types. It wasn''t going to be easy to break, but at least he now understood what they were dealing with. Seojun looked at the blue hologram, deep in thought. After absorbing the details about the Specter''s Grasp, he turned his atttion back to the system. "System, is there another way to break the curse?" he asked. [Yes, host. There is another method.] A new option appeared in the hologram: Summon the Host Specter Phantom: To undo the curse, you need to summon the Host Specter Phantom. This process involves a special ritual to call forth the very Specter that cast the curse. Sessfully summoning it allows for a direct confrontation and pottial reversal of the curse. Special Ore: Find and use a rare ore known for its curse-breaking properties. This ore can neutralize the Specter''s influce wh used in the right magical process. Seojun read the information carefully. Summoning the Host Specter Phantom was a risky but pottially effective method. It would involve directly gaging with the Specter that created the curse, which could be dangerous but might offer a chance to break the curse. Seojun stared at the two and Suddly, Alexa shivered and wrapped her arms a herself, as if trying to ward off an invisible chill. Her eyes darted a the room, clearly unsettled by the sudd cold. "Stop staring at me!" Alexa snapped, her voice trembling slightly. "Brother, what''s wrong with Seojun? Have you finally realized how gorgeous I am?" She turned her atttion to Seojun with a teasing glint in her eyes. Seojun, slightly tak aback by the sudd change in the conversation, replied calmly, "I''m figuring out how to break your curse." Alex chuckled softly and ced a hand on Alexa''s shoulder. "Ar''t you a bit too proud of yourself, sis? Seojun isn''t likely to suddly be interested in you just because of a chill." Alexa''s cheeks flushed with embarrassmt and irritation. She punched Alex in the stomach, causing him to cough. "I said stop teasing me!" she huffed, crossing her arms. Alex winced but toughed while holding his stomach. "Based on my levels, I don''t think I can summon the Specter," Seojun thought . [You are correct, host. Skills Eldritch Convergce is currtly locked due to this, summoning process will be impossible.] Seojun sighed and nodded and he op his Invtory and the system automatically showed the ore choices with curse-breaking properties. Suddly The system disyed three choices, each with its own unique characteristics. Ore Options: Eclipsium Shard Description: A rare ck ore that absorbs and negates dark ergies. It is known for its high efficacy against curses that involve shadow or soul-binding. Properties: Neutralizes spectral influces and hances protective wards. Luminite Crystal Description: A radiant crystal that emits a soft, purifying light. It is prized for its ability to counteract curses that drain vitality and obstruct skills. Properties: Provides a healing effect and can weak dark curses over time. Aetherium Fragmt Description: A shimmering, otherworldly fragmt that harnesses the essce of pure ergy. It can disrupt and dismantle magical bonds and curses. Properties: Effective against ergy-draining curses and has a high sess rate in curse reversal rituals. [Host, I rmd choosing one of the following ores based on their properties and the specifics of the Specter''s Grasp curse. Each has its strgths in breaking differt aspects of the curse.] Seojun examined the choices carefully. "System, which ore has the best chance of breaking the curse while suring it doesn''t harm them?" [The Luminite Crystal has the highest probability of breaking the curse without causing harm. Its healing properties and gradual effect make it the safest option.] As the system confirmed its rmdation, the Luminite Crystal appeared in Seojun''s hand, glowing softly with a purifying light. He examined it closely, feeling reassured by its gtle radiance. Alex''s teasing Alexa stop wh he noticed "Where did thate from?" he asked, his eyes widing in surprise. "Wait! Is that¡ª" Alexa began, her expression changing from yful to astonished. She immediately reached into her own Invtory, pulling out a simr glowing crystal. "This is a Luminite Crystal! It''s the same kind of ore used for high-level purification rituals, Where did you got this?!" she said, her voice filled with both surprise and awe. Seojun furrowed his brow, deep in thought. "That''s also exist here?" The system''s voice responded promptly, clearing up the confusion. [Since the arrival on Earth, all items in the Invtory have be transformed to match local types. This is to avoid discrepancies and surepatibility with the vironmt and magic of this world. It sures that objects and materials remain usable and effective in their new vironmts.] Chapter 103: Chapter 103: First Step - Create an Altar "Where did you get this, Seojun?!" she eximed. She leaned in closer, pushing her face towards Seojun''s, clearly fascinated by the crystal. Noticing Seojun''s difort with the sudd closess, Alex quickly interved. "Alexa, give him some space," he said, gtly pulling his sister back to her seat. "You''re overwhelming him." Alexa sat back, still fixated on the crystal. "Sorry, I just... this is incredible!" Seojun took a deep breath and replied, "It''s a long story. Since you''re familiar with this crystal, you should know that it''s a cure to break your curse." The twins exchanged surprised nces. "This crystal can break our curse?" Alex asked, Alexa nodded, though doubt clouded her expression. "But that''s impossible. This crystal isn''t supposed to work like that." Seojun remained calm. "Trust me, it can. Let me exin the process." Seojun asked ''System, can you provide details on how to use the Luminite Crystal to break the curse?'' [To break the curse using the Luminite Crystal, follow these steps: . Purification Ritual: Begin by cing the crystal on a sacred altar or a clean surface. The area should be free of negative ergy. . Activation: Channel your own magical ergy into the crystal. This will activate its properties and prepare it for the curse-breaking process. 3. Integration: Hold the crystal close to the cursed individuals. Allow its light to velop them for a period of time. This will weak the curse''s grip and start the purification process. 4. Finalization: Once the crystal''s ergy has be fully absorbed, perform a cleansing spell to finalize the curse removal. Ensure all traces of the curse are eradicated. 5. Recovery: Allow time for the cursed individuals to recover as the curse''s residual effects dissipate. Follow these steps carefully to sure the curse is brok without causing harm. Ev so Host is low level, his Infinite Mana can aplish what seems impossible. The crystal''s power,bined with host ergy, will be ough to weak and evtually break the curse.] Seojun ryed the instructions to Alex and Alexa. "First we have to find a sacred altar or a clean surface. The area should be free of negative ergy" he stand up to get ready but the two were hesitant. "Sacred altar?" Alexa whispered, looking a the room, as if expecting one to appear. Alex sighed. "It''s not going to be easy. Since the altars were destroyed five years ago, it''s ev illegal to have one now. Finding a ce might be tough." Seojun turned to Alex with a curious expression. "What do you mean, ''illegal''? Why are altars forbidd now?" Alex sighed and rubbed his temples. "It''s aplicated situation. After the altars were destroyed five years ago, the authorities dered that only gods, goddesses, or their chos ones could create or use altars. They became sacred and were tightly controlled." Alexa nodded in agreemt. "If we were to build an altar ourselves without permission, it wouldn''t work anyway. The mana involved in making an altar needs to be sanctioned by a deity or their represtative. Plus, making one without proper authorization is considered a serious offse." Seojun couldn''t help but feel a flicker of annoyance. ''Why does everything have to be soplicated?'' he thought. Alex and Alexa seemed disappointed. [Host, I rmd making your own altar.] Seojun''s brows furrowed, and he replied internally, ''Why? You heard what they said. It either won''t work, or someone will juste and destroy it.'' [Host''s own altar wille in handy in the future. We can use Zyraa''s powers to sure the altar works and put up a barrier that others can''t destroy. Plus, since the Ford twins are already well-known, getting permission would be easy.] Seojun paused, his annoyance shifting to curiosity. ''Handy? How, exactly? Isn''t just another thing to handle?'' The system wt silt, offering no further exnation. Seojun let out a quiet sigh and nced at Alex and Alexa, who were still deep in thought. ''Let me ask you something'' Seojun asked, breaking the silce. ''What happs if the curse stays with this two for too long?'' [Host, if the curse remains for too long, it will start consuming their souls. Evtually, they will die.] Seojun''s expression harded as the weight of the situation fully sank in. "Alright," Seojun finally said, his voice steady. "We''re going to make this work. I have a n, but I''ll need your trust. We''ll build an altar ourselves, and I''ll make sure it''s strong ough to break this curse once and for all." The twins looked at him with a mix of surprise and hope. "I want you two to do your best to get permission to create an altar. Once we have that, we''ll handle the rest." He added The twins exchanged nces. After a momt, Alexa''s eyes brighted. "Maybe Grandpa can help." Alex stood up, determination in his eyes. "I''m going to talk to him." Alexa quickly added, "I''ming too. Do you want toe with us, Seojun? You should get out sometimes." Seojun shook his head slightly, offering a small smile. "I''ll just take a shower. Have you two eat?" Alexa raised her hand, rubbing her stomach. "Me! I hav''t eat yet, and it''s already PM. I''m hungry." Alex chuckled. "I also brought some food, Alexa. I''ll just heat it up. Seojun, you can go take your shower. Don''t worry about us." Seojun nodded in thanks, th turned as a bark from Huno caught their atttion. "I''ll wash Huno too," Seojun said, scooping up the dog and heading toward the bathroom. While Seojun took care of Huno, Alex started heating up the food for Alexa. But Alexa couldn''t shake the worry that had crept into her mind. "Are we really going to make an altar?" she asked, her voice tinged with doubt. Alex sighed. "We can try to use someone else''s altar, but the only people we know who have altars are Tae-hyun and Lilith." Alexa groaned, frowning at the thought. "Ugh, I doubt Tae-hyun will let us use his altar for free. He''ll probably use it as an opportunity to push me into epting his proposal." Alex grimaced. "And Lilith would probably just ignore us." With the food warmed up and their minds made up, they finished their preparations and set off to find their grandfather, hoping he could help them Chapter 104: Chapter 104: Blaming herself As the car rolled up the long driveway, Seojun''s gaze drifted out the window, catching sight of something in the sky that made him pause. As they passed by the floating inds, Seojun couldn''t shake the feeling of familiarity. The sight of the inds drifting in the sky was surreal, yet it felt like he had se them somewhere before. ''Earth sure has changed a lot¡­'' he thought ''Why do those look so familiar?'' Alex noticed the direction of Seojun''s gaze. "Those are part of a dimsional zone called Sknd. Zones like these started appearing about three years ago." Seojun''s curiosity was piqued. "Dimsional zones?" "Yeah," Alex said, keeping his eyes on the road. "There are three main dimsional zones. The first is Sknd, with the floating inds. The second is the Submerged Zones, which are underwater, and the third is the Hollow Zones, located underg." Seojun nodded slowly, his eyes still on the inds disappearing behind them. "Why do they seem so familiar to me?" he murmured. Alexa, sitting in the backseat, leaned forward, her tone unusually serious. "It''s because those zones are based on areas from Ethereal Online." Seojun blinked, his head turning slightly toward her. "Ethereal Online?" He mulled over the name, feeling a sudd rush of memories. Th he muttered, almost as if trying to piece it all together, "Isn''t that the VR game yourpany developed?" The car fell into a brief silce as the weight of the realization settled in. Alexa''s serious tone lingered as she replied, "Yeah, But of us ever imagined something like this would happ." Seojun leaned back in his seat, The twins make Seojun tried the Ethereal Online before releasing back th, It''s his first Game he ever yed so it''s hard to forget, but seeing elemts from it manifest in the real world was unsettling. It was as if the lines betwe reality and the virtual world were blurring, and the implications were vast. "Why would something from a game be real?" Seojun wondered aloud. "Some people think it''s linked to the rise of awakers and the surge in magical ergy," Alex exined. "Others believe it''s connected to something ev bigger, something we hav''t fully understood yet." Seojun nodded. The car ride was quiet, and Seojun noticed that Alexa, who usually had a lively and ergetic attitude, was acting differtly. She stared out the window, petting Huno abstmindedly. Seojun saw her in the rearview mirror, looking troubled. It was clear something was bothering her. Alexa muttered quietly, "It''s probably rted to the gods and goddesses." Seojun, concerned about her change in behavior, asked Alex, "What''s wrong with Alexa?" Alex sighed and lowered his voice. "She''s ming herself because some dangerous monsters from the game she created, Ethereal Online, havee into the real world." Seojun looked back at Alexa, who was still distracted, petting Huno. "So, she thinks it''s her fault?" Alex nodded. "Yeah. She made those monsters for the game, but now they''re causing trouble in reality. She feels responsible for the harm they''re causing." The silce in the car was too thick for Seojun. ncing at Alexa in the rearview mirror, he said, "You look ugly wh you''re like that, you know." Alex looked at Seojun and chuckled. "She sure does. Look at her sulking." Seojun looked at Alexa through the mirror again and smirked. "Yeah, what an ugly bitch." The two of them continued their teasing, mutteringmts just loud ough for Alexa to hear. Suddly, Alexa shouted, "I can hear you both, you know?!" "Oh, the bitch can hear us?" Seojun said with a t expression. "Unbelievable, right?" Alex added, still keeping his eyes on the road. Alexa''s face flushed with anger. She crossed her arms "Just wait till we''re out of this car," she said. "Ooh, I''m so scared," Seojun teased, hugging himself and smirking. "Fuck you, Seojun! Just really wait!" Alexa retorted, her voice half-serious, half-yful and looked out the window, though a small smile yed on her lips despite her irritation. Alexughed and said, "She probably misses doing this." "No, I''m not!" Alexa shouted, trying to sound defsive Meanwhile, The chairman of the Awakers Association, Alexander von Ford, walked through the bustling headquarters with a look of satisfaction. As he made his s, he observed the ergetic activity a him. Awakers eagerly selected quests from the board, while others visited the Trade and Conversion Hall, exchanging loots for gold coins. The building hummed with the sounds of negotiations and lively discussions. Feeling contt with the smooth operation of the association, Alexander returned to his office. He settled into his chair and took a momt to appreciate the calm of his personal space. His secretary tered, carrying a stack of files. She handed them over, and Alexander began to read through them. He was well aware of the critical nature of his role; as the CEO of the former Ford Game Developing Company and the Guildmaster of the Vortex, he had a lot on his te. His granddaughter, Alexa, served as the vice captain of the guild, which only added to his vested interest in their activities. After flipping through the pages, Alexander nced up and asked, "How did the meeting betwe my granddaughter and the top rankers go?" The secretary replied, "The main reason for their meeting was to discuss the uing wave." Alexander paused, his expression thoughtful. "It''sing early this year, hmm?" "Yes, Chairman, and there''s also discuss about the rect case of the Selected top-rankers summoned by the Global System into the tower," the secretary confirmed. "The tower? Wh will they give more details about it?" the chairman asked, frowning. "They said that after the currt wave ds, new zones will appear," the secretary replied, scrolling through her tablet. "It looks like the situation is still changing." The chairman leaned back in his chair, looking serious. "We need more information. This uncertainty is bad for business, and ev worse for the world. If this tower is as dangerous as they say, we can''t be unprepared." The secretary nodded. "I''ll make sure our sources keep us informed. But right now, only the top rankers know the full details, and they''re not sharing yet." Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Assasination The chairman tapped his fingers on the desk, thinking. "They will talk soon. Everyone does, especially wh the future of the world is on the line." Alexander nodded and continued reading, his mind already turning to the implications of the early wave and what it might mean for the association and Vortex. After reviewing the files, Chairman Alexander von Ford looked up at his secretary and asked, "Where are they now?" The assistant handed over another file. Alexander oped it, revealing several photographs. One picture caught his eye¡ªLilith dimir. His brow furrowed with concern. "Thatdy came?" Alexander asked, worry evidt in his voice. "She didn''t do anything to my granddaughter, did she?" The assistant quickly reassured him. "Don''t worry, Chairman. Nothing happed. As of now, they are heading here." Alexander sighed in relief and scanned the rest of the photos. He paused wh he saw a picture of Seojun. "With him?" he asked, his tone slightly concerned. "Yes, Chairman," the assistant confirmed. Alexander stared at the photo, deep in thought. "This child has changed so much. I hope his attitude and behavior hav''t changed too drastically." The assistant continued, "We also found out that Master Han Seojun''s mother, Han Seoyang, is in USA." Alexander''s eyes wided in shock. "USA?! How did she get there? Seoyang is too weak to leave this country and doesn''t have the money." "We''re still figuring it out, Chairman," the assistant replied. Alexander nodded, a sse of urgcy in his voice. "We need to find her sooner. Seojun is a very nice child. He deserves to meet his mother as soon as possible." As Chairman Alexander von Ford and his assistant reviewed the documts, a crackling noise filled the office. Without warning, a ck portal appeared in the corner, its dark ergy spreading shadows across the room. The unexpected appearance caused both m to tse up immediately. The assistant drew his dagger with swift precision, positioning himself protectively in front of Alexander. His eyes were sharp, ready for any threat that might emerge from the swirling darkness. From the portal emerged a cloaked figure dressed tirely in ck. The intruder''s face was hidd by a hood and mask. He knelt on one knee as he arrived, a macing presce that st a chill through the room. For a momt, the figure remained still, th suddly vanished from sight. The office fell into an uneasy silce as Alexander and the assistant braced themselves. In an instant, the figure reappeared directly in front of Alexander, moving with a speed that defied belief. The intruder aimed a deadly strike at Alexander''s stomach. "Chairman!" Chairman Alexander stood firm as the ck-d intruder lunged at him with a de aimed for his stomach. In a quick, practiced move, Alexander raised his ancit bo staff. The metal of the staff shed with the intruder''s weapon, deflecting the attack. The intruder looked surprised, clearly not expecting such a defse. "Who st you?" Alexander demanded, his voice steady despite the tsion. The intruder leaped back, vanishing into the room''s shadows. The assistant, reacting swiftly, drew his dagger and charged at the intruder. The assistant''s movemts were sharp and fast, his eyes focused and determined. The room became a battlefield, filled with the sounds of shing metal and heavy breathing. The assistant swung his dagger with precision, aiming for the intruder''s exposed areas. He shed and thrust, his de slicing through the air with deadly intt. The intruder, agile and quick, ducked and weaved, narrowly avoiding the assistant''s attacks. They moved in a blur of motion, each trying to outmaneuver the other. The assistant''s dagger glinted in the dim light as he tried to find an oping. He feinted a high sh, th quickly drove the de towards the intruder''s midsection. The intruder twisted away, the dagger barely missing him. The assistant followed up with a low stab, aiming for the intruder''s legs. The intruder jumped, narrowly escaping the thrust. As the fight continued, Alexander struggled to keep his bnce. He gripped the edge of his desk tightly, watching the fierce duel unfold. His ancit bo staff, while effective, was not suited for the close, quick exchanges of a dagger fight. He could only hope his assistant would prevail. Breathing heavily, Alexander muttered to himself, "I''m really getting old." His eyes were locked on the struggle, his mind racing to understand why this intruder was here and what their true inttions were. The sh of daggers continued, each fighter trying tond a decisive blow. The assistant''s face was set in a determined expression, while the intruder''s movemts were fluid and evasive. The room was tse with the sound of their battle. The intruder suddly stopped and conjured a dark fireball. With a quick movemt, he hurled it at the assistant, who was thrown back by the st and mmed into a bookshelf, copsing in pain. The intruder turned his atttion to Chairman. He moved in close, his de ready. "Die, old man," he whispered harshly. Alexander, struggling to stay on his feet, tried to block the intruder''s attacks with his ancit bo staff. The intruder''s strikes were fast and precise, making it hard for Alexander to defd himself. Each hit pushed him back, and he felt his strgth draining. Alexander used all his skill and experice to block and parry the attacks. Despite his best efforts, the intruder''s de found its mark several times, cutting his cheek and arm. Alexander''s breathing grew heavy andbored, but he refused to give up. He managed to use his bo staff to deflect some of the intruder''s attacks, forcing him to back off briefly. Alexander took a momt to catch his breath and steady himself. The intruder, now more cautious, advanced again, dark mes flickering a him. Alexander''s strgth was waning, but he faced the intruder with a determined look. The room was filled with the sounds of their battle, each side struggling for control. Alexander swung his bo staff with all the strgth he had left, gaging the intruder in a fierce fight. As the intruder was about to deliver a final, devastating blow to Chairman Alexander, a shimmering barrier suddly appeared, blocking the attack. The intruder was thrown off bnce, his eyes wide with shock. "Where did thise from? This old man doesn''t have any defse skills!" he muttered, bewildered. Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Upgrade Before he could react further, two figures appeared behind him. He felt a sudden impact as one of them, wielding a spear, struck him with the butt of the weapon. At the same moment, a dagger shed at him, but he managed to evade it, though he was still wounded. The force of the spear''s impact sent him flying across the room, and he coughed up blood as hended hard on the floor. Looking up, the intruder saw the source of the attacks¡ªAlex and Alexa, the twins. They stood resolute, their faces filled with concern. "Grandpa!" they shouted in unison. Thebined attack from the twins had severely injured the intruder, making him unable to move. Seeing their chance, the twins prepared to finish the fight. But the intruder, seizing the opportunity, decided to escape rather than face defeat. He vanished into the shadows, hoping to find a way out of the situation. "Find the intruder!" Alexa shouted urgently. The twins sprang into action, determined to capture the attacker and ensure he didn''t escape. The intruder, thinking he was safe, made his way to a vacant storage room. He opened his inventory, quickly grabbing a health potion from his inventory. He uncorked the potion and took a deep gulp, feeling its healing effects start to mend his wounds. The intruder, now in the vacant storage room, took a moment to catch his breath. He thought about his carefullyid ns, including his knowledge of the Ford family''s skills. None of them, he was certain, had barrier skills. "I have to kill them and bring their bodies to Lady¡ª" he muttered to himself, Just as he turned around, a powerful hand mped around his neck, lifting him off the ground. The intruder''s eyes widened in shock as he gasped for breath. He struggled to free himself, but the grip was unyielding. Looking up, he saw a figure standing with an intense, determined expression. The figure''s presence was imposing, and the intruder could tell this was no ordinary opponent. The intruder''s thoughts raced. "Who is he?!" he wondered, panic rising. The figure''s face remained hidden in the shadows, but the intruder could feel the power radiating from him. As he struggled in the tight grip, he knew his situation was quickly bing dire. The intruder gasped for air as the grip around his neck tightened. He struggled to speak, his voice barely a whisper. "W-wait!" His mind raced with confusion. "Who is this? There was no information that the Ford family had a backup this strong!" He couldn''t understand how he ended up in such a dangerous situation. ''he''s gonna kill me!'' "I-I can''t die! I have to report this! Help Lady¡ª" A sickening crack as the grip tightened further. Pain shot through him, and his vision started to darken. The pressure was too intense, and he knew he was losing the fight. The intruder''s body went limp, his mission unaplished, and his secrets left untold. Seojun stared at the intruder''s lifeless body, "I was nning to put this guy to sleep and let someone find him so we could gather more information," he muttered. "But I ended up killing him instead." He sighed deeply, contemting his next move. "What should I do now?" [Host, I rmend absorbing his experience to level up and storing his soul in your Soulbinding Archive.] Seojun looked up, curious. "So, I can still use the archive?" [Although you cannot summon phantoms from your archive, you can still collect souls.] Seojun considered this and nodded. "Hmm, that makes sense." He ced his palm over the lifeless body. A soft, white smoke began to leak from the corpse, swirling around his hand before being absorbed. The process was apanied by a series of electronic beeps and a holographic message. A system notification appeared, with the words glowing brightly: DING! Experience absorbed. You have gained assassin experience. [Congrattions host! you have reached Level 50.] You may now extract the soul. Seojun took a deep breath and extended his hand over the body once more. Concentrating, he began the process of soul extraction. The body emitted a faint, ghostly light as the soul started to separate. Ding! [You have obtained your first phantom in the Soulbinding Archive.] [This is the first body of this realm. Host can now retrieve lost stats.] As Seojunpleted the soul extraction, the lifeless body began to dissolve into thin air, leaving no trace behind. The white smoke that had leaked from the corpse disappeared, absorbedpletely into Seojun''s hand.The system''s voice sounded again, more enthusiastic than before. [Congrattions, Host! You have sessfully obtained your first phantom for the Soulbinding Archive.] A new notification appeared in front of Seojun: DING! [Title Earned: Soulbinder''s Initiate] Congrattions! As the first to collect a phantom from this realm, you have gained the title ''Soulbinder''s Initiate.'' This title grants you additional abilities and benefits rted to soul management and retrieval. Seojun continued his stride through the hallway, his mind focused on the new changes. He opened the system interface once more to review the details: Name: Han Seojun Age: 23 Title: Returnee, Soulbinder''s Initiate ss: SSS-Rank Abyssal Tamer Stats: Agility: S Stamina: S Strength: S Mana: (Infinite) Affinities: Dark me Affinity: Level 1 (Can only use fireball) Skills: Barrier: Level 5 (Upgrade Avable) Etc. He noted that his Dark Fire Affinity had been unlocked but was only at Level 1. This suggested that there was much to learn and develop in this new skill. His Barrier skill, however, had reached Level 5. The upgrade allowed him to create a more robust and versatile protective barrier. Seojun thought about the improvements and decided to check what the new level offered: Barrier ¨C Level 5 Upgrade: Enhanced Strength: The barrier can now withstand more powerful attacks. Extended Duration: The barriersts longer before needing to be re-cast. Adaptive Response: The barrier can adjust to different types of threats, providing more effective protection against various attack types. Area Coverage: The barrier can now cover arger area, protecting multiple individuals or arger space. Seojun nodded and he arrived at the office, He found Chairman Alexander, Alex, and Alexa already in the room. The tension was palpable, and the aftermath of the attack was evident¡ªfurniture was overturned, and there was a faint scent of smoke in the air. Chapter 107: Chapter 107: Altar Guardian Gargoyle Seojun approached them with a calm expression. "What happened here?" he asked, trying to sound surprised. Alex looked up from his conversation with the Chairman, his face grim. "An intruder tried to Assasinate Grandpa," Alexa turned to Seojun as she and Alex prepared to leave. "Seojun, could you stay with Grandpa for a while?" Seojun nodded. As Alex and Alexa hurried out, Seojun approached Chairman Alexander, who was seated on the sofa. The Chairman looked worn and was using his ancient bo staff for support. His breathing was uneven, and he appeared to be struggling to remain upright. Seojun took a seat in front of him, trying to offer a reassuring presence. "It''s nice seeing you again, Chairman," Chairman Alexander managed a weak smile. "It''s good to see you too, Seojun. I''m sorry that you had to witness this in your visit." Seojun observed Chairman Alexander with concern. "You don''t look well, Chairman," he said, trying to mask his worry. The Chairman chuckled softly. "Well, I''m too old now. These things catch up with me eventually." Seojun recalled the Chairman''s strength from before¡ªhow he was always there for him and his mother, providing support and guidance. The memory was bittersweet, given the stark contrast to the frail figure before him now. There was a brief silence between them. Then Chairman Alexander spoke again, his voice carrying a mix of nostalgia and sadness. "Alex and Alexa were really happy to see you. You don''t know how much they missed you when you disappeared." Seojun remained silent, his gaze steady as he listened. "They''ve learned so much from you," the Chairman continued. "You changed their perspective on the poor, helping them appreciate the value of every life." Seojun frowned, troubled by the Chairman''s condition. "You should rest, Chairman and saved your strength." The Chairman settled back on the sofa, his face tired but content. "I''m dying, Seojun. I''m just d you came back before I go." Seojun stood on the rooftop, the cold night air stinging his skin. The sky was filled with countless stars, but despite their beauty, Seojun felt lost. The Chairman''s words, "I''m dying, Seojun. I''m just d you came back before I go," echoed in his mind. He didn''t know how to feel. He felt neither sadness nor worry. Instead, he clutched his chest, confused by the emptiness inside him. What''s going on? As he struggled with his emotions, Alex and Alexa arrived. Seojun turned to them, noticing their gloomy expressions. Alexa, in particr, looked as though she had been crying. Seojun wanted to put off this conversation for another day, but Alexa''s determined gaze made it clear that she had something important to say. "Let''s break this curse now," Alexa said firmly. Seojun nodded. Together, they headed to where they could set up an altar. They took a helicopter to the Sknds, a floatingndmass high above the ground. As theynded, Seojun took in the view. The Sknds were a breathtaking sight¡ªfloating inds covered in lush greenery and small forests. In the center of one of these inds was a small, abandoned temple. The forest surrounding the temple was dense but not overwhelminglyrge, providing an eerie yet serene atmosphere. The ce was perfect for setting up an altar. As Seojun, Alex, and Alexa approached the old temple in the Sknds, Huno barked persistently. The noise echoed through the still night, alerting them to an unseen threat. Alex spoke up, "These Sknds creatures are usually asleep at night and won''t attack unless threatened. We should be safe." They continued walking, the eerie silence surrounding them. When they finally reached the abandoned temple, a thick white fog suddenly rolled in, quickly engulfing the area. Alex and Alexa appeared unperturbed. "It''s probably just a normal phenomenon," Alex said. But Huno''s incessant barking grew more urgent, and Seojun''s instincts kicked in. Before he could react further, both Alex and Alexa inhaled the fog. Their legs gave out, and they copsed. Seojun rushed forward, catching them before they hit the ground. He could feel their bodies going limp and their breathing bing shallow. Ding! [Sleep Paralysis Resistance activated.] Seojun realized the fog was inducing sleep paralysis or hypnotization. He quickly assessed the situation, noticing that Huno''s agitation was increasing. [Congrattions Host! You have Unlock Paralysis Resistance, You can no longer affected by the fog.] As Seojun carefullyid Alex and Alexa down, trying to shield them from the enveloping fog, he heard a familiar sound. Ding! [You have entered one of the sacred Sknds temple. The ancient guardian of this temple is now aware of your presence.] Seojun looked around and spotted a gargoyle statue in the corner of the temple. Its eyes seemed to follow him, the stone features meticulously carved and eerily lifelike. He could feel a sense of foreboding emanating from the statue. As Seojun prepared himself for any potential threats, he noticed that the fog was beginning to clear. Huno continued to bark, and Seojun could sense the growing tension in the air. [Appraisal Activated] Name: Gargoyle Rank A Type: Demon stone Guardian The gargoyle''s statue eyes suddenly red, and the stone began to crack. The gargoyle roared to life, its stone skin morphing into a dark, demonic form. Its wings beat furiously, and it lunged toward Seojun with an rming speed. "Huno, get Alex and Alexa to safety." Seojun muttered andHuno barked, understanding the urgency, bit Alex and Alexa by their clothes and dragged them to a safer part of the temple, despite them being disoriented from the fog. The gargoyle''s screech was piercing and grating. Seojun tried to dodge its vicious ws but found himself struggling. He reached for his usual weapon, a ming blue sword, only to remember that he couldn''t summon it. he nced at his inventory. His eyesnded on the me Dagger, the first weapon he had acquired in the Abyss. He quickly retrieved it and prepared for battle. The gargoyle''s powerful wings sent gusts of wind, and its ws shed through the air, narrowly missing Seojun. He dodged and rolled, trying to get a better angle. The gargoyle''s eyes glowed menacingly as it roared, clearly agitated by Seojun''s resistance. Seojun gripped the me Dagger tightly. Chapter 108: Chapter 108: Ancient Dragon Temple Although it was smaller than his sword, its fiery edge would still be effective. He darted around, avoiding the gargoyle''s deadly ws. The demon''s screeches filled the temple, making it difficult to focus. He waited for the right moment. The gargoyle lunged again, its ws aiming to tear him apart. Seojun rolled to the side, his me Dagger slicing through the air. The de met the gargoyle''s stone hide, the mes scorching the demon''s flesh. The gargoyle roared in pain and pped its wings, trying to regain its bnce. Seojun pressed the attack, his movements agile and precise. Each strike with the me Dagger hit the gargoyle''s weak spots. The demon''s stone skin cracked further, and dark energy leaked out. Huno continued to bark and snap at the gargoyle, distracting it and giving Seojun a crucial opportunity. The battle raged on, with Seojun dodging the gargoyle''s fierce blows and striking back with the fiery dagger. The temple shook with each impact, and the gargoyle''s roars echoed through the ancient stone halls. Seojun crouched behind arge boulder, breathing heavily. The gargoyle, a hulking demon with red eyes that glowed menacingly, roared and swung its massive ws in the dim light of the ancient temple. Seojun knew he couldn''t rely on his usual sword techniques. Instead, he needed to adapt quickly. "I''ve really gotten weak," he muttered, frustration evident. He nced at the gargoyle''s monstrous form, recognizing its weakness to fire. "Since the gargoyle''s weakness is fire..." He pulled up his status screen and scanned through his skills. A smirk formed on his lips as he found what he needed. "This should do it," Seojun said with determination. Carefully emerging from behind the boulder, Seojun took a deep breath. He needed to act quickly. He raised his palm, gathering a dark, fiery energy and muttered. "Dark Fireball" A swirling orb of dark mes erupted from his hand, its blue and ck mes swirling ominously. With a powerful throw, heunched the inferno at the gargoyle. The Dark Fireball streaked through the air and struck the gargoyle''s chest. The demon''s eyes widened in shock as the dark mes enveloped it. The fire burned fiercely, crackling and hissing as it consumed the gargoyle''s stone-like skin. "Master, Fireball is so powerful" Huno whispered from a far away, [Host Skills is 10x stronger than the normal spell so this just make sense,] The System replied. The gargoyle staggered back, it''s wings pping wildly in a frantic attempt to put out the mes. It''s deep red eyes zed with a mix of rage and agony. The demon roared in pain as the dark fire continued to eat away at its defenses. Seojun watched intently, knowing this was his opportunity. The gargoyle''s body cracked and weakened under the relentless assault of the dark mes. Finally, the gargoyle began to fall, its body turning to stone as it descended. It hit the ground hard, breaking into pieces. The dark mes that had burned it away left scorch marks on the floor. The fog that had filled the temple started to clear up, revealing the inside of the ancient temple. Seojun, catching his breath, saw the gargoyle''s broken remains scattered across the floor. Huno, who had carried Alex and Alexa to safety, came back to Seojun, barking softly. Ding! [You have defeated the Sacred Temple Guardian. You are now the Sacred Temple Owner.] Seojun noticed that Alex and Alexa were still asleep when Huno brought them to him. They were safe but unconscious. [This is much better, Host. You can now move freely.] Seojun agreed and carried Alex and Alexa into the temple. As they entered the temple, the surroundings began to change. The temple was small but ancient, its walls covered in intricate carvings and faded murals. Suddenly, torches along the walls lit up, their mes casting a warm, flickering light that illuminated the entire space.Seojun marveled at the transformation. The temple, though small, seemed toe alive with the light. He carried Alex and Alexa to the center of the room, where an altar stood ahead. The altar was simple but elegant, made of stone and adorned with ancient symbols. In the middle of the altar was a stand with an eye mark engraved on it. He approached the altar, examining the eye mark. It seemed to pulse faintly, as if it held a hidden energy. Seojun ced Alex and Alexa gently on the ground beside the altar and approached the stand with the eye mark. "What''s this?" Seojun wondered, looking at the eye mark. It seemed to glow faintly. He reached out to touch it, trying to figure out what to do next. [To use the altar, you mustplete the ritual to be acknowledged as the temple''s owner.] "How?" [You need to perform the ritual for the temple to recognize you. The details are as follows:] A detailed holographic screen appeared in front of Seojun, showing the steps for the ritual: 1. Activation of the Eye Mark: ce your hand on the eye mark on the altar. 2. Offer a Sacrifice : ce an item or substance representing your intent and power. 3. Chant the Incantation: Recite the ancient words to bind yourself to the temple. Seojun read through the instructions and thought, "Looks like I need toplete these steps to gain control of this ce." As Seojun prepared to perform the ritual, his system suddenly spoke. [Host, ce your palm above the altar.] Seojun confused butplied, cing his palm over the eye mark on the altar. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through his hand. Blood began to seep from his palm, dripping onto the eye mark. "What the¡ª" [I''m sorry, Host.] The temple began to tremble violently. Seojun struggled to maintain his bnce as the altar''s eye mark absorbed his blood. The entire temple shook, and a low rumble echoed through the small space. In the center of the altar, a massive dragon skeleton began to emerge. Its bones were ancient and covered in dust, giving off an aura of forgotten power. The temple walls shifted, revealing grandiose carvings and hidden passages. Ding! [The temple has acknowledged you as its owner. The true appearance of the temple is now revealed.] Temple Status: - Name: Ancient Dragon Temple - Rank: SS - Description: A once-hidden sanctuary dedicated to the dragon spirits. Now revealed, it is a ce of immense power and ancient secrets. As the temple''s true form settled around him, Seojun felt a renewed sense of purpose. The system spoke again, guiding him through the next steps. [You can now proceed, Host.] Chapter 109: Chapter 109: The Gods and Goddesses Seojun clicked his tongue in acknowledgment and took out the luminite crystal. The crystal glowed softly in the dim light of the temple. He carefully ced Alex and Alexa on either side of the altar, aligning them to ensure the crystal''s effects would cover both of them. Following the instructions before Seojun ced the luminite crystal on the clean surface of the altar. The area was bathed in a soft, calming light, free of any negative energy and he focused his own magical energy into the crystal. He could feel his energy merging with the crystal''s inherent power. The crystal began to pulse with a brighter, more intense light as it activated. He held the crystal close to Alex and Alexa, allowing its radiant light to envelop them. The light was warm and soothing, spreading a gentle glow over their bodies. Seojun watched intently as the curse''s dark energy around them started to weaken, its grip loosening. After several minutes, Seojun could feel that the crystal''s energy had been fully absorbed. He performed a cleansing spell, his words resonating through the temple. The spell purified the area and eradicated any lingering traces of the curse. With the ritualplete, Seojun stepped back, allowing Alex and Alexa time to recover. Their bodies rxed, and the curse''s residual effects began to dissipate. The moment Seojunpleted the ritual, the temple was struck by an immense, radiant beam of light¡ªa God Ray, cascading from the heavens with divine intensity. The light pierced through the sky, illuminating the night and casting long shadows across the ancient temple. Itsted only a few moments, but its impact was felt far beyond the realm of Earth. Meanwhile in the Mount Olympus- The Hall of the Gods In the grand hall of Mount Olympus, where the gods and goddesses were gathered for a grand celebration, the atmosphere shifted abruptly. Zeus A rank SS god who had been seated on his golden throne, suddenly stood up, his eyes wide with rm. The chatter andughter of the divine assembly fell into a tense silence as they too felt the disturbance. "This presence...," muttered Hera, her eyes narrowing in suspicion. "An altar¡­" whispered Poseidon, gripping his trident as a wave of unease swept through him. "What''s going on?" Athena asked, her voice filled with urgency. "Why is there an altar on Earth?" "It''s been two years since thest one was created," noted Hermes, his usual calm demeanor now reced with concern. "We had an agreement that no new altars would be made without our consent." "And this one... feels powerful," Artemis said, her bow at the ready, as if she expected an immediate threat. "This energy..." muttered Apollo, his fingers twitching as if longing to draw his bow. "It''s like nothing we''ve felt in a long time." A wave of panic rippled through the assembly as gods and goddesses exchanged anxious nces, their divine senses overwhelmed by the sudden surge of power from Earth. "Find it!" Zeus roared, his voice echoing through the halls like thunder. Themand sent a jolt through the assembly, and immediately, the gods sprang into action, their forms blurring as they dispersed to seek the source of the disturbance. "The Earth hasn''t seen such power in millennia!" muttered Hades from the shadows, his dark gaze fixed on the spot where the God Ray had emerged. "Who dares to create an altar without our knowledge?" The murmurs grew louder, a chaotic mix of anger, fear, and confusion as the gods spected on the implications of this new development. No one had anticipated this, and the bnce they had carefully maintained was now at risk. "Whatever it is, it will change everything," Athena murmured, her eyes gleaming with both fear and anticipation. As the gods moved to uncover the mystery, the God Ray had already vanished, leaving them only with a lingering sense of dread. The fate of Earth, and perhaps the entire divine order, now hung in the bnce. On the opposite side of the grand hall, away from Zeus and his pantheon, another group of gods sat in their own secluded corner, their expressions ranging from curiosity to mild amusement. The energy from Earth had clearly reached even the farthest corners of the divine realm, and it hadn''t gone unnoticed by these deities either. A goddess with skin as pale as moonlight and eyes that shimmered like silver turned to herpanions, a faint smile ying on her lips. "Interesting..." she whispered, her voice soft yet carrying a hint of mischief. "Someone dares to defy our orders. I''m curious to see who this human might be." Next to her, a male god with hair like molten gold and a regal posture stood up, his gaze fixed on the far distance as if already seeing the events unfold on Earth. His eyes gleamed with a predatory light. "Well," he dered with a smirk, "finders keepers." Without waiting for a response, his form flickered, and he vanished, leaving behind only a faint shimmer in the air. Another god, his muscr form adorned with tattoos that glowed like embers in the dim light, mmed his hand on the table, causing it to crack. "No, you''re not" he snarled, his voice deep and rumbling like an earthquake. "That human is mine!" His body dissolved into mes and smoke, disappearing as quickly as he had risen. The remaining gods in the corner exchanged knowing nces, some intrigued, others amused by the unfolding drama. A goddess with hair that flowed like liquid fire leaned back, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Should we join them?" she asked, her voice carrying a blend of caution and interest. A god with icy blue eyes and a demeanor as cold as the winter''s night shook his head. "No," he replied, his tone detached. "Let them squabble over it. We''ll watch... for now." On the other side of the grand hall, away from the chaotic discussions and rising tensions, a goddess with long, flowing hair sat quietly, nervously biting her nails. Her eyes were distant, lost in thought, as the gods and goddesses around her continued their celebrations. A nearby goddess with a serene expression and a gentle aura noticed the anxious behavior and leaned closer. "What''s wrong, Goddess Zyraena?" she asked softly, her voice full of concern. Zyraena snapped out of her thoughts, quickly forcing a smile. "N-nothing," she stammered, trying to keep herposure. "Ah, I''m just... hungry again. Excuse me." Without waiting for a reply, she stood up abruptly and made her way over to the long tableden with food. Chapter 110: Chapter 110: Risk of Gods/Goddesses Attention As she piled her te high with various dishes, her mind was racing in a full-blown panic. ''There''s no mistake... That was Seojun''s presence! What are you doing, Seojun?!'' Her hands trembled slightly as she reached for more food. ''Gaining the attention of the gods and goddesses like this is dangerous!'' She nced around, trying to calm her racing heart, but her thoughts kept spiraling. ''Why would he do something so reckless? They''lle for him. They''ll alle for him...'' Zyraena tried to maintain her outward calm, smiling at the other deities who passed by, but her mind was elsewhere. ''Seojun, you don''t understand the power these gods hold... If they find you, they''ll try to im you¡ªor worse. I have to warn him... But how?'' Zyraena''s forced calm was quickly unraveling. As she continued to pile food onto her te, her thoughts grew more frantic. Finally, unable to contain her frustration any longer, she stomped her foot on the marble floor, earning a few curious nces from nearby gods and goddesses. ''What will happen to my revenge?!'' she screamed internally, her mind racing. ''Why are you doing this to me, Master?!'' The thought of Seojun gaining the attention of so many powerful deities filled her with a mix of fear and anger. All the careful ns she hadid out, all the years of waiting for the right moment¡ªeverything was at risk now. ''I have to contact him! Immediately!'' she realized, her eyes widening with urgency. Zyraena quickly scanned the room, making sure no one was paying her too much attention. She needed to get away, to find a quiet ce where she could reach out to Seojun without raising suspicion. Without a second thought, she abandoned her te of food and hurried toward the exit of the hall, her heart pounding with a mixture of dread and determination. ''Seojun... I need to reach you before they do.'' Zyraena moved quickly through the corridors, her destination clear in her mind. She needed to reach her realm, where she could safely contact Seojun without the prying eyes of other deities. But just as she neared the portal to her domain, a firm hand grabbed her arm, stopping her in her tracks. Her eyes widened in shock as she turned to face the one who had halted her escape. "G-God Zarion?!" she stammered, recognizing the menacing figure before her. Zarion, the new God of Monsters, had a reputation that struck fear even into the hearts of other gods. He had reced Echidna, the Mother of Monsters, after her mysterious disappearance His skin was pale, almost sickly, and his eyes gleamed with a predatory glint that sent a shiver down Zyraena''s spine. "Going somewhere in such a hurry, Goddess Zyraena?" Zarion asked, his voice low and dangerous, as he tightened his grip on her arm. His presence radiated malice, and she could feel the coldness of his touch seeping into her skin. Zyraena forced a smile, trying to mask her unease. "I... I just needed to attend to something in my realm," she replied, her voice wavering slightly. Zarion leaned in closer, his breath chilling her neck. "I couldn''t help but notice your sudden exit from the hall. Are you hiding something?" His tone was taunting, as if he relished her difort. She shook her head, trying to pull her arm free, but Zarion''s grip only tightened. "Of course not. I just felt unwell and needed some air," she lied, her mind racing for a way out of the situation. Zarion narrowed his eyes, studying her closely. Zarion''s grip on Zyraena''s arm remained firm for a moment longer before he finally released her, his eyes never leaving hers. "Very well," he said, his voice now carrying a hint of reluctant respect. "You may go and Rest well." Zyraena, still feeling the chill of his touch, nodded quickly, eager to distance herself from his oppressive presence. She turned to leave, her heart racing as she hurried towards the portal to her realm. Just as she was about to step through, Zarion''s voice echoed behind her, carrying an unsettling calm. "You can''t hide it forever, Zyraena." She froze, her hand on the portal''s activation rune. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, though she did not turn around. ?¦Ò!¦Ø?§Ô??-*??- "I''m your ally," Zarion continued, his tone surprisingly sincere. "You can trust me. I''ll wait." With that, Zarion stepped back into the shadows, his form blending with the darkness. Zyraena sped through her realm, her urgency propelling her forward. she transformed into a glowing yellow ball of energy, her form pulsating with a bright, radiant light. Meanwhile, Seojun had just removed his shirt and was about to copse onto his bed when the sudden appearance of the glowing yellow ball startled him. "Seojun!" she shouted, her voice echoing with a mix of desperation and relief. "F*ck!" Seojun eximed, his eyes widening in surprise. "What the heck, Zyraena?!" The yellow ball, now unmistakably Zyraena, hovered awkwardly in the air. Her light flickered as she stammered, clearly flustered by the unexpected encounter. "I-I''m sorry, Master!" she stuttered, her voice trembling. Seojun sighed "What do you want?" Zyraena hovered anxiously around Seojun''s chamber, her glowing yellow form casting erratic shadows on the walls. "Master, is it you who made the altar?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and urgency. Seojun, already settled on his bed, was about to drift off when Zyraena''s sudden appearance and loud question jolted him upright. Huno, who had been lounging by his side, immediately leaped to his feet, barking with concern. "How did you know?" Seojun asked, rubbing his temples in frustration as he nced at Zyraena''s distressing glow. Zyraena''s light flickered erratically, and her form began to shimmer as she choked back tears. "Why, Master? Why did you make it? Did I not serve you well? Am I not enough?" Her voice cracked with emotion, her glowing presence dimming as she started to cry. Seojun settled back into his bed, exasperated by the emotional outburst. "What is it to you, Zyraena?" he asked, trying to sound patient despite his growing irritation. Zyraena''s glowing form pulsed erratically, her light flickering as she began to cry and panic. "Why didn''t you get permission first?! You''re in big trouble, Master! BIG TROUBLE!" Her voice wavered, and the yellow dust she emitted swirled chaotically around the room. Seojun yawned, clearly exhausted. "Well, we got permission from Alex''s grandpa," he replied nonchntly. "No! They''re not a god!" Zyraena''s voice was frantic, her glow intensifying as she continued to float in agitation. "You need to get permission from gods and goddesses before making an altar! You need their blessing! What have you done, Master?! Huhuuu!" Seojun''s patience wore thin, and he frowned in annoyance. "Straight to the point, Zyraena. I''m tired right now." Zyraena, noticing the seriousness in Seojun''s tone, ceased her crying and took a deep breath to calm herself. Chapter 111: Chapter 111: Achievement Unlocked: First Step toward Godhood "Alright, Master. I''ll exin. Having so many gods and goddessese to you is a big problem because it can attract unwanted attention and conflict didn''t you want to live peacefully?... Altars are sacred and can be seen as a challenge or an insult if not properly sanctioned. Without the blessings of the proper deities, it can lead to severe repercussions, including divine wrath or interference from other gods who feel slighted." Seojun listened to Zyraena''s exnation. "I still don''t get why this is such a big deal,It''s not like they can find the altar" he said, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "It sounds like a mess, but why are you so worked up about it?" Zyraena''s glowing form shimmered with distress as she tried to suppress her frustration. "Master, it''s not just about the altar. The gods and goddesses can be very sensitive about these matters. They might see it as an insult or a threat if their blessings aren''t properly requested. It can cause a lot of trouble." Despite her detailed exnation, Seojun remained puzzled. "Okay, okay. I''ll take your word for it." As Seojun continued to speak, Zyraena''s mind churned with conflicting thoughts. ''How is my revenge now?! huhuu'' ''If Seojun receives blessings from the gods and goddesses, not only will they learn that I''m a human servant, also..'' Her thoughts darkened with worry and anger. Meanwhile, In a dimly lit room, Oh Tae-hyun sat in deep concentration, his eyes closed as he focused on locating the mysterious altar. The ethereal presence of Zeus resonated in his mind, breaking the silence. "Tae-hyun," Zeus''s voice echoed, reverberating through Tae-hyun''s thoughts. "Have you made any progress in finding the altar?" Tae-hyun opened his eyes, looking up with determination. "I''m still searching, Lord Zeus. It''s proving difficult to pinpoint its location. There are no clear indications as to where it might be." Zeus sighed inwardly, Even this human is struggling. What should I expect from someone of their kind? If the other gods haven''t located the altar or the human responsible, it''s unlikely he will either. As Zeus''s presence faded from Tae-hyun''s mind, he returned to his divine realm, his expression darkening with concern. The aura around him crackled with tension, a sign of his mounting unease. His power surged, nearly reaching the pinnacle of godly strength as he grappled with the implications of the altar''s presence. Hera, Zeus''s wife, approached him with a concerned look. "Zeus, what troubles you so?" "We must find this human," Zeus said, his voiceced with concern. "If we don''t, he might ascend to godhood and disrupt the divine order." Seojun sat up on his bed, rubbing his temples as Zyraena''s glowing form continued to flicker anxiously before him. He was tired, and the conversation had stretched far longer than he wanted. "Zyraena," he began, his tone firm, "you don''t need to worry about this anymore. Go back to your realm." "But, Master!" Zyraena protested, her voice filled with concern. "This is serious! If the gods find out¡ª" Seojun cut her off, his patience clearly waning. "Don''t make me repeat myself, Zyraena. Go back." Zyraena hesitated for a moment, her light dimming slightly. But she nodded quickly, epting hismand. "O-okay, Master," she muttered, her form shimmering onest time before she vanished, leaving only a faint trail of golden dust in her wake. Seojuny back on his bed, exhaling deeply, trying to shake off the remnants of Zyraena''s frantic warning. Before he could settle in, the system''s voice chimed in, sounding almost apologetic. ????$-¡é-§ß§Ñ$¦Ñ#¦Ó&¦Å-§ñ$-$?&?-! [Host, I''m really sorry.] Seojun frowned, ring at the air. "You nned this, didn''t you?" he muttered. "You said we could use Zyraena''s godly powers, but they''re actually mine." [Exactly, Host,] the system continued. [By forcefully giving blessings through the altar, your growth has been elerated, leveling you up and unlocking achievements.] Seojun nced at the glowing hologram that appeared before him [Achievement Unlocked: First Step Toward Godhood] Congrattions! You have taken the first step on your journey to godhood. Your actions have begun to draw divine energy towards you, marking you as a potential deity in the eyes of the cosmos. As a result, you have unlocked a new path with unique challenges and rewards! Objective: Gain the faith and loyalty of at least 30 followers who will believe in your power and willingly ept your blessings.Current Progress: 0/30 followers. Rewards: Divine Bracelet : Increases mana regeneration by 50% and enhances the strength of any blessings you give. 1000 Divine Points: Exchangeable for skills, items, or upgrades in the Divine Store. New Title: Aspiring Deity: Increases charisma and influence when interacting with mortals and lesser beings. New Skill: Divine Sense: Allows detection of nearby entities with divine potential or hostility. (locked: Can be used after clearing the first task.) Seojun''s eyes widened in disbelief. "I don''t have any ns to be a god," he said firmly, waving his hand to dismiss the hologram. [But, Host, bing a god offers substantial benefits. You''ll gain ess to unparalleled power, authority over your own domain, and the ability to shape reality in ways even powerful mortals cannot. With these rewards, you could grow stronger, faster.] Seojun''s eyes remained serious as he stared at the empty space where the hologram had just disappeared. The system''s voice came through, softer and uncertain. [I-I''m sorry again, Host,] it stammered. Seojun''s tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt. "After I find my mom, I''ll forget all about this If you don''t stop meddling with things i don''t want. I''ll deactivate you, I''m serious this is not a joke so never mention this godly thing again." He paused, his expression softening just slightly. "I''ll make up for all the five years I''ve been gone and give her the peaceful life she deserves." The system fell silent, unable to muster a response, sensing that Seojun meant every word. Seojun finally allowed his eyes to close, exhaustion pulling him into a deep sleep. The night passed in a blur, his dreams filled with fleeting images of his mother''s smile and a peaceful life far away from the chaos he had faced. Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Is it just a mask Morning came too quickly. A loud knock on the door startled Seojun awake. He groggily sat up, rubbing his eyes. The knocking grew more insistent, and he sighed, dragging himself out of bed. "Alright, alright, I''ming," he muttered, still half-asleep as he made his way to the door.He opened it, expecting a delivery or maybe a messenger, but instead, a blur of motionunched itself at him. Before he could react, Alexa jumped on him with a loud, excited squeal. "Seojun!" she shouted, her arms flinging around his neck. The sudden impact knocked him off bnce, and they both tumbled to the ground, Alexanding on top of him. "Oof!" Seojun grunted as he hit the floor, Seojun blinked in confusion as Alexa''s sudden tears began to fall. "Alexa?! What the¡ª" Before he could finish, Alexa started sobbing, her arms still wrapped tightly around him. "Thank you, Seojun! Thank you so much for breaking our curse!" she cried, her voice breaking with emotion. She kept repeating her thanks, her grip on him not loosening in the slightest. Alex walked in through the open door, a relieved smile on his face. "Yeah, man, you really did us a huge favor," he added. Seojun, still t on his back with Alexa crying on top of him, frowned. "Stop crying, you look ugly," he muttered, trying to hide his awkwardness. Alexa gasped dramatically, giving his chest a light p. "You''re so mean!" she pouted, wiping her tears with the back of her hand. Seojun pushed himself up, gently nudging Alexa to stand. As he got to his feet, he nced at the clock on the wall. It was just 6 a.m. He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Couldn''t this have waited untilter?" he sighed. Alexughed, amused by the whole scene, while Alexa crossed her arms, still pouting. "How cold, Seojun!" she teased, Seojun rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah... whatever." Seojun dragged himself back to his bed, copsing onto the mattress with a heavy sigh. "Wake me upter," he mumbled, already pulling his nket over his head, shutting out the morning light. "Hey! Don''t sleep again!" Alexa protested, stepping closer to his bed. "Tell us what happenedst night! Seojun!" she shouted, but Seojun''s breathing had already settled into a slow, steady rhythm. He was out cold. Alex chuckled, cing a hand on Alexa''s shoulder. "Let him sleep, Alexa," he said gently. "He''s probably exhausted. He''ll tell us everythingter." Alexa pouted, clearly frustrated but nodded reluctantly. "Fine, but he better exin everything when he wakes up," she grumbled, crossing her arms. Several hours passed. Alexa and Alex waited patiently, asionally ncing over at the still-sleeping figure of Seojun. Finally, Seojun stirred, blinking against the sunlight filtering through the window. He stretched, yawning as he sat up. "Good, you''re awake," Alex greeted with a grin. "Now, aboutst night..." Ignoring the eager looks from Alexa and Alex. He nced around, spotting a small table with a spread of food. Without a word, he walked over, sat down, and began eating hungrily. "Hey! I''m talking to you!" Alexa snapped, her voice filled with impatience. Seojun, mouth full of food, simply pointed to his lips as he continued chewing. Alexa fumed, tapping her foot in irritation, while Alex chuckled at the scene, trying to stifle hisughter. "You!" Alexa shot a re at him, clearly annoyed. Alex smiled and walked over to Seojun, handing him a ss of water. "Here, drink up," he said calmly. Seojun nodded in thanks, gulping down the water before diving back into the food. Alex joined him at the table, grabbing a te. "Seriously, Seojun..." Alexa muttered, rolling her eyes but finally taking a seat herself, reluctantly waiting for him to finish. As Seojun continued to eat, Alex nced at him and asked, "So, when should we head to US?" Seojun took a long sip of water, then replied between bites, "Now." Alexa, frustrated by Seojun''sck of engagement, shot him an exasperated look. "We need to talk first!" Seojun, unfazed, continued spooning food into his mouth, clearly ignoring her. Alex chuckled at the interaction. "I''ll go prepare for our departure," he said, grabbing his phone and heading out of the room. The cool morning air greeted him as he stepped outside. Alexa red daggers at Seojun, but he remained oblivious, focusing entirely on his meal. His rxed demeanor only seemed to irritate her further. After a few moments, Alexa sighed heavily, "I have too many questions for you," Alexa pressed on. "What happened while we were unconscious? How did you break our curse? Do you know that the deities are looking for you? You''re lucky we decided to keep it a secret." Seojun remained silent "And where is that sknd now? It''s not in its usual area." Seojun finished his mouthful of food, finally setting his spoon down. "Just what happened to you, Seojun?" she added. Alex returned to the room, having made the necessary preparations for their departure. He looked at Seojun, who had finally finished his meal and was cing his tes in the dishwasher. Alexa, still fuming from the unanswered questions, had given up, her frustration giving way to resignation. Alex cleared his throat and addressed the group. "It''s seems like Grandpa also wants us to collect some items from the Mystic Union." "Oh, wow, really? That''s great!" Alexa responded, her interest piqued. Her frustration seemed to dissipate. Alex turned to Seojun. "Is that okay with you, Seojun? We''re heading to the Mystic Union Guild first." Seojun, still focused on tidying up, nodded. "Yeah." Alex continued, "The helicopter will arrive in 30 minutes, so you should bring some clothes. We might be staying there for a few days." Seojun acknowledged the information with a nod. On the rooftop, Chairman Alexander stood alone, watching as the helicopter carrying Seojun and his grandchildren faded into the distance. A voice, resonating with a godly timbre, broke the silence. "Alexander." Alexander turned, recognizing the voice of the goddess he often spoke with. "Goddess" he replied, his tone respectful. The goddess''s voice echoed softly, as though carried by the wind. "It seems you''re deep in thought. What troubles you?" Alexander sighed. "It''s nothing, Goddess. I was just wondering why you''re concerned about the human who made an altarst night." The goddess''s response was calm and deliberate. "There is a reason why creating altars has be forbidden. Making an altar requires immense amounts of mana, beyond what even the chosen of Zeus could provide, especially without guidance from the gods or goddesses." Alexander''s frown deepened. "And?" The goddess continued, "The process of bing a god has changed. The first step now involves making an altar. So, whoever performed this actst night has taken their first step toward divinity." She paused, her voice taking on a more urgent tone. "We must find this human and protect them from the greedy deities." Chairman Alexander now in a deep thought ''Is Seojun''s non-awakened status just a mask? What are you hiding from us? I hope you don''t put my grandchildren in danger."'' Chapter 113: Chapter 113: The Mystic Union After several hours of flying, the helicopter finally approached the U.S. The sprawling cityscape of Washington, D.C., came into view. Seojun looked down at the vibrant capital, The helicopter descended, approaching arge building with a rooftop where people were already waiting, preparing for their arrival. Alexa leaned toward Seojun, her eyes wide with excitement. "You see that Guild Seojun?! That is the Mystic Union. Their weapons, items, and gear are the best in the world! We''re getting our gear from them, and their quality is unmatched." Seojun listened as Alex added, "The Mystic Union specializes in crafting and enhancing weapons, items, and gear. They''re the top guild for creating the finest equipment, and their reputation is well-earned." As the helicopternded, Seojun, Alex, and Alexa disembarked and were greeted by two young people waiting by thending pad. Seojun took in their appearance: both had ck hair and striking blue eyes. Alex leaned in closer to Seojun and whispered, "Those are Mr. Jonathan Hamilton''s children¡ªthe guildmaster of the Mystic Union. Nathan and Elshienne." Seojun looked at them, a sense of recognition stirring within him. "Hamilton? Isn''t that the family owned the Second Elite university in Korea?" he asked. Alex nodded. "That''s right. They''re very influential." Meanwhile, Alexa, brimming with cheerfulness, struck up a lively conversation with the Hamiltons. Seojun, however, remained observant, his curiosity piqued by the connection. As the group made their way down from the rooftop, the sound of their footsteps echoed through the stairwell. Alexa was at the front, chatting animatedly with Nathan and Ellisiene. Herughter and lively conversation contrasted with the more subdued pace of Seojun and Alex, who followed closely behind. The elevator dinged softly as they arrived on a specific floor. Stepping out, Seojun found himself in what resembled a high-end museum. The floor was spacious, with sleek marble tiles and soft, ambient lighting highlighting the exhibits. ss disy cases were meticulously arranged throughout the room, each one encasing an array of weapons, gear, and artifacts. Seojun''s a bit shock as he took in the scene. Each item was protected by a ss box, allowing unobstructed views while preserving their pristine condition. The disys were arranged by type and importance, from ornate swords with intricate engravings to shimmering armor pieces that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly light. The system''s voice echoed in Seojun''s mind, [The weapons, gear, and items here are of exceptional quality. It appears the crafter or artisan is likely blessed by God Kragmer.] Seojun''s curiosity was piqued. He mentally inquired, ''Who is God Kragmer?'' [God Kragmer is a SS-Rank Dwarf God renowned for his unparalleled craftsmanship and blessing of artisans. His favor grants extraordinary skill in forging weapons and artifacts.] Seojun''s gaze returned to the disys. Alex, observing Seojun''s intense focus on a particr item, turned and asked, "Is there anything here that caught your attention?" Seojun remained silent, his gaze fixed on one disy case. Inside was an exquisitely crafted sword, its de a brilliant azure with intricate silver runes etched along its length. The hilt was adorned with precious gems, and the entire weapon exuded an aura of sophistication and power. The sword''s elegance was undeniable. The craftsmanship was so fine that even the slightest reflection of light seemed to dance along its surface, hinting at its remarkable quality. Seojun''s eyes followed the delicate engravings, each one a testament to the artisan''s skill. Seojun''s thoughts drifted as he admired the sword. ''This is truly impressive. Almost all of these items are S-Ranked. Their craftsmanship is extraordinary, but¡­'' [These items, while impressive, are nothingpared to what you''ve got in the Abyss.] Seojun agreed and Alexa''s excitement grew palpable. She hurried to Seojun''s side, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Isn''t this the Moonlight Sword?!" she asked, barely able to contain her excitement. "The one that''s said to be able to cut through the sea or anything?" Elshienne smiled, her eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement at Alexa''s reaction. "Yes sister, The Moonlight Sword is a legendary de. It''s famed for its incredible cutting power and the ability to cleave through even the toughest materials, including water." Seojun''s gaze remained fixed on the sword, but he couldn''t help but let out a soft, dismissive tsk. The sound was subtle but noticeable in the otherwise quiet room. Nathan, who had been observing the interaction, narrowed his eyes at Seojun''s reaction. Elshienne, too, was taken aback by the sound. They exchanged nces, both feeling a touch of irritation. Nathan approached Seojun, his tone edged with formality. "Is there something about the Moonlight Sword that doesn''t meet your expectations?" Elshienne joined Nathan, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Yes, we''d like to understand your thoughts. The Moonlight Sword is a revered artifact, and we value its craftsmanship greatly." Seojun shrugged nonchntly, At that moment, a faint, ominous presence made itself known, drawing Seojun''s attention. He tensed, sensing an approaching threat. Alexa and Alex, sensing the shift in atmosphere, immediately noticed Seojun''s difort. Alexa, quick to act, stepped between Seojun and the visibly irritated Nathan and Elshienne. "I''m really sorry about our friend," she said, her tone apologetic and slightly flustered. "Don''t mind him." Nathan and Elshienne exchanged annoyed nces, their irritation growing. They didn''t hide their displeasure as they looked at Seojun, their expressions showing clear disdain. Alexa, with a forced smile, tried to defuse the situation. "How about we focus on the items that Grandpa requested? We wouldn''t want to waste any more time." As the group moved further away, Alex turned to Seojun, his face a mixture of frustration and concern. "You''ve made an enemy there, Seojun. Nathan and Elshienne are known for their attitudes. I thought you''d be a good friend." Seojun''s eyes narrowed slightly. "I didn''t mean to offend them i just tsk. that doesn''t mean anything" Alex sighed, shaking his head. "Well, now we have to deal with the fallout. Hopefully, it won''t cause too many problems down the line." see-MVLeMpYr-for-more Alex led Seojun to a quiet roo. The room was modest, with simple furnishings and a window that offered a view of the cityscape. Huno was already there, loungingfortably in one corner. "Stay here, Seojun," Alex instructed, gesturing towards a chair. "I''ll just go get Grandpa''s things." Seojun leaned back in his chair, ncing over at Huno whoyfortably. [You''ve certainly managed to get on the nerves of the Hamilton siblings. I''m amazed at how effortlessly you can stir up trouble.] Seojun responded, his tone calm but resolute, ''I wasn''t trying to cause trouble. That isn''t even the real Moonlight Sword¡ªit''s just a fragment.'' With that, Seojun reached into his inventory and pulled out a sword that closely resembled the one in the disy case. However, this sword had a distinctive feature: arge, luminous crystal embedded in its center. The crystal gleamed with an ethereal light, setting the de apart from the one they had seen earlier. He held the sword up, allowing the light to catch its facets and reveal its true nature. ''This is the real Moonlight Sword,'' he continued. ''The crystal is what distinguishes it and gives it its true power. The sword in the disy is merely an imitation,cking the core element that defines its legendary status.'' Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Meeting a Kid Seojun continued to examine the sword he had just retrieved, the crystal embedded in its center catching the light and reflecting a spectrum of colors. He thought about the implications of his earlier actions and the potential of creating an altar. ''Making an altar allows me to ess my other items in the inventory,'' Seojun mused, ''that''s not a bad oue.'' Seojun continued to examine the sword he had just retrieved suddenly he heard a voice. "That''s a beautiful sword." Instinctively, Seojun concealed the sword and looked up, finding a child sitting across the table from him. The kid''s presence was sudden and unexpected. Seojun, curious and cautious, slowly returned the sword to his inventory. Almost immediately, the child vanished. "Wow, what is that? You''re piercing the air?" The child''s voice now came from his side. Seojun turned to see the kid staring intently at the half-visible sword, hovering in mid-air beside him. Seojun furrowed his brow and continued to study the sword. Seojun put the sword away and looked at the child. "Who are you?" he asked. The child vanished instantly, and a momentter, she reappeared sitting across from him. She had a shoulder-length brown hair, blue eyes. ''Why am i seeing a younger version of myself but a girl?'' She hugged a blue plushie shaped like a shark tightly to her chest, her gaze fixed on Seojun with a mix of curiosity and innocence. powered-by-MvLeMpYr Before Seojun could ask another question, the girl suddenly appeared at his side, her blue eyes wide with curiosity. "What''s your name, brother?" she asked. Seojun frowned slightly and replied, "Seojun. Han Seojun." The girl extended her hand with a bright smile and introduced herself, "I''m Jana hye Just call me Jana Brother. It''s nice meeting you." Seojun epted Hana''s hand and shook it gently. Her innocent curiosity was disarming. "Did youe from the future? Are you my future self?" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder. Seojun''s usualposure softened in the face of her cuteness. He couldn''t help but smile. "Maybe?" Hana''s eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? Then can I have that sword?" Seojun chuckled softly, his guard lowered by her infectious enthusiasm. Seojun shook his head gently. "The sword is too big for you, Jana." Jana''s eyes fell to the small sword she was holding. "Daddy found this and enhanced for me, but I want something bigger." Seojun examined the small sword. It was clearly a fragment, something that seemed iplete but still finely crafted. "Can I borrow?" he asked. Jana nodded eagerly, handing over the small sword. As soon as Seojun took it, his appraisal skill activated. [Appraisal Activated.] Item: Fragmented de - Description: A small but intricately crafted sword fragment. This piece appears to be a part of arger, more powerful weapon. It holds sentimental value and has been skillfully made by a master craftsman. - Status: Fragmented - Potential: Enhanced whenbined with other pieces or restored to its original form. May possess hidden attributes or enhancements. Note: Investigate further to determine its full potential and any possible upgrades or restoration requirements. [Would you like to proceed with further analysis or restoration?] Seojun muttered "Analyse" - Fragment Analysis: The fragment is part of arger weapon. Restoring it requires essing the original item in your inventory. - Warning: Using fragments can be dangerous. Confirm if you want to restore this fragment to its original state. Seojun looked at Jana, who was watching him with sparkling eyes. "Using fragments can be dangerous. Do you want me to restore it to its original state?" Jana''s eyes lit up. "Can you really do that, brother? Wow! Do it! I don''t like the feeling of this small sword anyway." Seojun smiled and ruffled Jana''s hair affectionately. "Sure thing," As Jana giggled and appreciated the gesture, Seojun essed the original sword from his inventory. Following the system''s instructions, he began the restoration process. The fragment slowly merged with the original sword, growing and reshaping into its full form. As the restoration processpleted, the fragment transformed into arger sword, its full form gleaming in the light. Jana''s eyes widened in awe. "Wow! How did you do that, brother?!" She reached out eagerly, but Seojun raised the sword out of her grasp. "You should use the small sword form for now. A weapon bigger than you can be dangerous." Jana looked up at him with innocent curiosity. "If I listen, will you y with me?" Seojun smiled warmly. "Yeah." "Deal!" Jana eximed, her face lighting up with excitement. Seojun concentrated, channeling his mana to shrink the sword back to its smaller size. He knew the sword''s size was influenced by the amount of mana used. Once it was the size of a dagger, he handed it to Jana. Jana held the small sword carefully. "Wow! It feels amazing! It''s not like earlier, when something felt off." Seojun nodded. "You can feel the difference?" Jana beamed and nodded. "Yes, it feels just right now!" Seojun felt a sense of satisfaction, pleased that Jana was happy with the transformed sword. He looked forward to the yful moments they would share. Seojun watched as Jana, with impressive dexterity, expertly twirled and flipped the small sword. He was still in awe. "How old are you, Jana?" he asked, curiosity piqued. "I''m turning 5 next month," Jana replied with a bright smile. "Thank you so much for this, brother. I told Daddy that it''s dangerous to use iplete artifacts, but he didn''t listen." Jana carefully ced the sword into a leather sheath and then got down from her chair, pulling it closer before sitting back down. Seojun thought, ''Is this really how a nearly 5-year-old acts?'' "Hehee, you can''t believe I''m just 5 years old, brother?" Jana said, noticing his astonishment. "Don''t worry, everyone gets that." "What do you mean?" Seojun asked, puzzled. Jana''s eyes sparkled with a hint of pride. "Oh, I''m a bit of a prodigy. Daddy says so too. I''ve been practicing a lot, so people often can''t believe how skilled I am for my age." Jana swung her feet yfully as she sat in the chair, clearly enjoying the attention. Seojun watched her with a thoughtful expression, realizing that her mature behavior for her age might be due to her prodigious talent and experiences. Chapter 115: Chapter 115: A Kid(2) He noticed Jana suddenly look down, hugging her shark plushie tightly. "What''s wrong?" Jana''s voice trembled as she whispered, "Don''t you hate me now?" Seojun was taken aback by her words and the sight of her tears. Instinctively, he reached out, lifting Jana and cing her gently on hisp. "What are you talking about? Don''t cry. Why would I hate you?" he asked, gently wiping away her tears. Jana''s tears flowed freely as she clung to Seojun. "It''s just... people get really angry at me because I''m a prodigy," she sobbed. "They''re jealous, and they say mean things. I try my best, but it feels like no one is happy for me." Seojun gently wiped her tears and asked, "Why do they get angry? You''re just really talented." Jana sniffled and looked up at him. "Because they think I get special treatment and that I''m showing off and then they say things that hurt my feelings." Seojun hugged her tighter. "That sounds really tough. But you know what? Being good at something is nothing to be ashamed of. And the people who care about you, like me, are proud of you." Jana managed a small, grateful smile. "Thank you, brother. It''s nice to hear that. Can you be my friend?" Seojun smiled warmly and nodded. "Yes, of course, I''d be happy to be your friend." Jana''s face brightened with a relieved smile. "Thank you, brother! I''m really d." Jana looked up at Seojun with a small pout. "Brother, I''m thirsty." Seojun stood up. "Wait here, I''ll get you some water." But Jana grabbed his shirt, her eyes wide and pleading. "Can Ie too?" Seojun found her expression too cute to resist. He sighed. "Okay, you cane." Jana''s face lit up with a big smile. "Yey!" She jumped down from her chair and took Seojun''s hand. Her shark plushie was tucked under her arm as they walked down the hallway together. As they walked, Seojun overheard a few staff members whispering nearby. "Look, isn''t that Mr. Alex''s friend they brought along?" one said. "Wow, he''s really handsome," another added. "Shut up! Don''t you know him? He''s that returnee who''s F-rank. He''s useless," another voice interrupted. "Aw, that''s a shame. He looks really different from the news," someone else remarked. "But useless! How can the Ford keep someone like him around? Ugh, disgusting!" Seojun ignored the murmurs, focused on finding water for Jana. But Jana, hearing thements, looked up at him worriedly. "Are you okay, brother?" Seojun smiled down at her. "Yeah, I''m fine. Why do you ask?" Jana seemed reassured and pointed to a high-tech water dispenser. "It''s right there." discover-stories-MVLeMpYr Seojun praised her, "Good job," and they approached the dispenser. After filling up their bottles, Seojun noticed Jana looked uneasy. "What''s wrong?" he asked, kneeling beside her. Jana blushed and whispered, "I need to pee, brother." Seojun chuckled softly. "It''s okay, there''s nothing to be shy about." "Wait here, brother!" Jana eximed, running off quickly. Seojun took a sip of his water and waited. When she took longer than expected, he started to worry and went to find her. He spotted her emerging from a side hallway, her shirt stuffed with snacks. "Where did you go?" Seojun asked, puzzled. Jana grinned sheepishly. "Hehee, sorry brother. I just grabbed some snacks on my way back. Let''s go!" She pulled Seojun back toward the room, happily clutching her plushie and snacks. They yed until Jana bid goodbye and as she leave Alex and Alexa came and they leave the Mystic Union Guild. Jana hugging her plushie watch as the helicopter flying away waving even so Seojun can''t see her. Once the helicopter was gone, Jana turned and began to walk away. A few curious staff members noticed her wandering around the hallways. A staff member approached her with a friendly smile. "Are you lost, baby girl?" he asked. Jana shook her head, and several other staff members gathered around, cooing at her cuteness. "She''s so adorable!" one of them said. "Look at her with that plushie, just precious," another added. The guy who first spoke asked gently, "Want me to bring you to your parents? They''re probably on the first floor." Jana smiled sweetly and replied, "I can do it, brother. Thank you!" She gave a polite bow that made everyone melt with affection. "Goodbye, sisters and brothers!" she said cheerfully as she walked away. As she moved down the hallway, she overheard a few staff members chatting. "Hey, where''s your friend?" one asked. "She just went to the restroom," another replied. "Probably pooping," someone else joked, and they allughed loudly. Jana continued walking, her small steps taking her to a dark alley. She approached a door, slowly opening it to reveal a staff uniform-ddy bound and gagged with silk, her hands tied behind her back. "I''m back, sister," Jana said as she entered the room. She proceeded to the storage room, where she would continue her secretive task. Jana set her shark plushie in the corner and retrieved her small sword, a chilling smile spreading across her face. "Where were we earlier? Oh right, you were saying mean things about my new friend." Thedy''s eyes widened in fear as she shook her head frantically. Jana''s smile grew more unsettling. "What''s the matter?" she asked, her voice cold. She carefully removed the silk gag from thedy''s mouth. Thedy, tears streaming down her face, began to apologize desperately. "I''m so sorry! I didn''t mean it! Please, forgive me!" Jana''s eyes were steely as she watched the woman''s distress. "Brother Seojun didn''t deserve that. He''s really kind and caring." Thedy continued to cry and beg for forgiveness, her sobs shaking her entire body. "Please, I''m so sorry! Ms.Hye I didn''t know you were connected to him. I didn''t mean to." Jana''s expression softened just slightly as she considered thedy''s pleas. She kept her small sword at the ready but showed no sign of immediate anger. Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Learn to keep their mouths shut Jana walked closer to the terrified staffdy, her small figure looming over her. She leaned in and whispered softly into thedy''s ear, her breath cold and deliberate. "Remember this: be careful with your words. Sometimes they can hurt more than you think." Thedy shuddered at the whisper, her fear evident as she nodded shakily. Jana straightened up and gave a final, piercing look before turning on her heel and walking towards the door. She stopped just before leaving and looked back. "If you ever think of saying something mean about my brother again, remember this moment." With that, she walked out of the storage room, leaving thedy trembling and alone in the dim light. Thedy, trembling, slumped to the floor as she wiped away her tears. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she muttered, "Just how the hell is that useless guy connected to Ms. Hye? If only I had recognized that he was with her earlier, I would have kept my mouth shut. Argh!" She stood up, smoothing out her clothing, and prepared to head to the restroom. As she stepped out of the storage room, she crossed paths with Nathan and Elshienne. She immediately moved aside and bowed deeply. "Have you seen Ahye?" Nathan asked. While still bowing, the staffdy pointed in a direction. "Ms. Hye went that way, sir." "Thanks," Nathan said, his tone brisk. Elshienne muttered, "Why do we have a spoiled sister? Ugh, Hye! Where are you?" He shouted for Ahye as they walked off. Once they were gone, the staffdy headed to the restroom, her mind still reeling from the earlier encounter. She adjusted her makeup, grumbling under her breath, "F*ck those Hamilton! That kid, acting all high and mighty with that fake sword. As if she really scared me." Suddenly, her eye caught something in the sink. Her blood ran cold as she saw her own tongue lying there, dripping with blood. Horrified, she clutched her throat as blood began to pour from the wound. Her screams echoed through the restroom as she copsed to the floor. Outside the restroom, Jana leaned against the door, her expression twisted into a smirk that didn''t belong on a five-year-old''s face. Her small sword glistened with fresh crimson, and she carefully wiped the blood off with the edge of her sleeve. "Badmouthing my family, huh?" she muttered, her voice low, almost yful. She chuckled softly, a sound that would have sent shivers down anyone''s spine had they heard it. "People should learn to keep their mouths shut." She twirled the small sword between her fingers, almost like a toy, her blue eyes glowing with a strange intensity. Jana hugged her plushie shark tightly against her chest, her small fingers gripping its soft fabric. She giggled softly to herself, then reached up and clicked her hairpin with a swift motion. In an instant, her brown hair shimmered, shifting like liquid silver, turning into a striking white that cascaded down her shoulders. Her blue eyes sparkled even brighter against the stark contrast of her new hair color. She adjusted her hairpin with a little smile, then turned just as Nathan and Elshienne came storming down the hallway, looking frustrated. "There you are! Where did you go?!" Nathan demanded, his voice filled with annoyance, while Elshienne crossed her arms, her gaze sharp and impatient. Jana looked up at them, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. "Hehee, sorry, brother, sister," she replied, a yful grin spreading across her face. "I just wanted to explore a bit! But I''m ready now. Let''s go back!" Nathan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck in exasperation. "You can''t just wander off like that, Ahye. We''ve talked about this." As they walked through the hallways, Jana turned her head up toward Elshienne, curiosity dancing in her bright blue eyes. "Did you see the guy with Sister Alexa and Brother Alex?" she asked, her voice carrying a yful lilt. Elshienne scoffed a little, folding her arms tighter as they continued down the corridor. "Yeah, we saw him," she replied with a hint of annoyance. "he had the nerve to insult one of the swords Dad found. Can you believe that?" Nathan chuckled softly beside her. "He''s a returnee his probably don''t know dad, just What kind of idiot insults Dad''s swords?" he added, shaking his head in disbelief. Jana''s lips curled into a small, knowing smile as she listened to them. She hugged her shark plushie tighter, feeling a strange excitement bubbling up inside her. Her thoughts wandered back to Seojun ¡ª the warmth of his presence, the kindness in his eyes, the way he treated her like a real friend. "Can''t wait to meet you again, Brother Seojun," she thought to herself, her smile growing wider. "Don''t worry... As a friend, I will protect you." She looked down, hiding the sly grin on her face, while her siblings continued to chatter beside her. The thought of protecting him made her giggle quietly, feeling a strange sense of purpose settling in her chest. She skipped a little as she walked, her plushie shark swinging by her side, her heart feeling light and mischievous. After all, there was something exciting about having a secret¡­ and a new friend to protect. Meanwhile, An hourter Seojun and the twins were walking through the bustling streets, Seojun nced over at Alexa, who was tightly gripping a small gadget that emitted a faint beeping sound. "Is that really working?" Seojun asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow at the device. thank-you-for-using-MvLeMpYr Alexa furrowed her brows in frustration. "It should be!" she replied, her voice tense with impatience. "But it''s acting up again¡­" Alex leaned over, ncing at the gadget. "I think it''s broken, sis," he said casually, earning a sharp re from his sister. With a frustrated huff, Alexa stomped her foot and threw the gadget into a nearby trash can. "Ugh! How can we find Auntie now?!" Seojun clicked his tongue in mild annoyance. Chapter 117: Chapter 117: Finding Mom "System," he called out mentally. Almost immediately, he felt the familiar presence of his system responding. After a brief pause, the system began, [Host, I have found the reason why their frag- ] Seojun cut it off quickly, his voice firm. "We''ll talk about thatter. Right now, I need you to contact Zyraena. I have to find my mom." The system responded obediently, [Yes, Host.] While they continued to follow Alexa''s lead, waiting for the system''s response, Seojun''s thoughts wandered back to his mom. After what felt like several long minutes, the system finally returned, its voice clear and precise, [Listen to me, Host. She''s near Turn left.] Alex and Alexa exchanged a nce as they noticed Seojun make a sudden turn left, veering away from the main street and into an unexpected direction. "Seojun!" Alex called out, confused by the abrupt change. "Just follow me," Seojun replied with a firm tone, trusting the system''s guidance as he moved quickly through the twists and turns of the alleyways. They continued walking, following Seojun''s lead, and soon found themselves emerging into arge, bustling area filled with people. The crowd thickened around them, and Seojun''s focus sharpened as the system''s voice resonated in his mind, [She''s inside, Host.] Seojun stopped in his tracks, lifting his gaze toward the massive building in front of them. It was circr in shape, towering over the nearby structures with its unique architectural design. The exterior was a blend of modern and ssical elements ¡ª tall pirs supporting a domed roof, with intricate carvings etched into the stonework. Large ss panels reflected the bright sunlight, making the building almost seem to glow. Along the upper edge of the circr structure were banners disying different colors, crests, and symbols, indicating the importance of whatever took ce inside. The entrance had a set of grand archways that were guarded by a few heavily armored sentinels, who stood tall and alert. Alexa''s eyes widened as she took in the sight. "This¡­ This is the Tournament Hall!" she eximed, her voiceced with surprise. Seojun''s eyebrows furrowed. "Tournament Hall?" he echoed, not familiar with the ce. Alex nodded, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Yeah, it''s where they hold all the majorbat tournaments, exhibitions, and some ssified meetings for high-rankers." "Wait," Alex suddenly called out, halting Seojun and Alexa in their tracks. He quickly open the hologram of Global system server. "Today is the U.S. Top Ranker PvP Tournament," Alex announced, looking up at them. MVLeMpYr-original-content "Eh? Is it today?" Alexa asked and they noticed that Seojun had no idea so Alex exined. "PVP Tournament is a huge event. All the awakeners in the U.S. who think they have what it takes to challenge the top rankers participate in this tournament. It''s their chance to take the ce of the current top rankers, and if they win, they get to move up in the rankings, gain fame, and secure massive rewards." Seojun looked up at the towering building. "Maybe Mom is watching the tournament, Let''s get in and check." Alex shook his head. "We can''t just walk in there, Seojun. This ce is a fortress during events like these. I doubt they''d let us in without tickets, and I''m pretty sure they''re all sold out by now." Before Seojun could reply, Alexa stepped forward with a confident grin. "Wait, I''ve got an idea. Just follow me." They trailed behind her as she approached the guards stationed at the entrance. Alexa reached into her pocket, pulled out a sleek, polished badge, and shed it at them. The guards'' eyes widened in recognition and surprise. "Ms. Alexa! The Top 10 Korea Ranker!" one of the guards eximed, bowing slightly in deference. The other guard quickly followed suit. "We didn''t expect to see you here today, ma''am. How can we assist you?" A few people in the surrounding crowd overheard and began murmuring among themselves. "Is that really her?" one whispered. "Wow, it''s Alexa!" "Waah So pretty! Can i get a picture?!" "It''s the Dual de Vixen Omg! I''m your fan!" More heads turned, and soon enough, a small crowd began to form around them, all buzzing with excitement at the sight of a celebrity awakener. Alexa shot a nce back at Seojun and Alex, her expression sharp. "Act like bodyguards, will you?" she hissed under her breath. Without missing a beat, Alex squared his shoulders and moved to Alexa''s side, standing tall and serious, as if he were her personal security. Seojun, catching on, mirrored his posture, taking up a position on the other side. They nked her, trying to look as imposing as possible to keep the curious onlookers at bay. Seeing the reaction from the crowd, the guards quickly stepped aside, gesturing toward the entrance. "Please, go right in, Ms. Alexa. We''ll make sure no one disturbs you." "Thank you," Alexa replied, maintaining a cool and collected demeanor. She turned back to Seojun and Alex, motioning for them to follow her. "Let''s go, quickly." They hurried inside, the doors closing behind them just as the crowd began to swell with more onlookers. Inside the arena, the atmosphere was electric, filled with the roar of cheering fans, the hum of powerful magic, and the sh of weapons echoing through the massive space. Seojun looked around, taking in the sight of the vast stadium packed with spectators. Alexa nced back at them, a satisfied grin on her face. "See? No need for tickets when you''ve got connections," she said with a wink. Seojun nodded, impressed. "Nice move," he admitted. "Now let''s find Mom." Alexa quickly pulled out a cap and a mask from her bag and put them on, tucking her hair beneath the cap. "Alright," she said, her voice slightly muffled by the mask. "We need to split up. It''ll be faster that way." Alex nodded, ncing at Seojun. "You''re the one who''s most likely to recognize her first, so keep your eyes sharp." Seojun''s heart was racing. He could feel it pounding in his chest with a mix of excitement and anxiety. "Got it," he replied, trying to steady his breathing. "Let''s meet back here in 20 minutes if we don''t find her." They all nodded in agreement, then turned and began moving in different directions. Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Found her? Seojun''s eyes darted from face to face as he made his way through the crowd. The stadium was packed, and the sounds of the ongoing fights in the arena below filled the air with the excited cheers and gasps of the audience. The ground beneath his feet vibrated with the force of the battles taking ce. He looked up at therge screens showing the action in the arena, but his focus was on the faces in the stands. He scanned rows upon rows of spectators, his gaze moving quickly, searching for a familiar face. He spotted a woman with a simr build and hair color to his mom and his heart leapt, but as he drew closer, he realized it wasn''t her. Disappointment tightened his chest, but he pushed it away, determined to keep looking. He moved further down the aisles, weaving between the rows of people, catching snippets of conversation and the asional cheer or groan as the fights below intensified. Seojun nced over his shoulder to see Alexa moving through the crowd on the opposite side of the arena, her cap pulled low over her eyes, her mask hiding her face. Alex was already climbing up to the higher levels, scanning the stands with careful precision.Seojun''s heart pounded faster, a mix of hope and tension gripping him. He could feel it, a strange, almost maic pull. His mom was here and continued his search, moving quickly but carefully, his eyes never stopping. His senses were on high alert, every fiber of his being focused on finding her. He scanned faces rapidly, his heart racing with every step. Minutes passed, feeling like hours, and he still hadn''t found her but he refused to give up He took a deep breath and kept moving through the rows, determined to find her. Suddenly, he felt a sharp twinge in his chest, a strange feeling that made him stop in his tracks. His gaze shot up to a nearby in the frontrow. He couldn''t see clearly from this distance, but he felt something, a presence that was somehow familiar. "Mom," he whispered under his breath, and started moving in that direction, his heart pounding with renewed hope. Seojun made his way to the front row, where he was now just a few feet away from the arena. The noise of the crowd around him was almost deafening, and the energy in the air was electric. He approached a woman with short brown hair, his heart pounding, but as he got closer, he realized it wasn''t her. "Where are you, Mom?" he muttered under his breath, his frustration growing. A sharp, piercing sound began to ring in his ears, syncing with his heartbeat, a sound that seemed to grow louder with every passing second. [Host! Host!] The system''s voice cut through the noise, snapping Seojun back to reality. [Rx, host. You have to calm down.] Seojun took a deep breath, realizing he was starting to lose control. His hands were trembling slightly, and he hadn''t even noticed the people around him pushing him, shouting at him to move out of the way. He closed his eyes for a moment, forcing himself to steady his breathing. When he opened them again, he nced toward the fighting in the arena below. A loud, excited voice echoed through the stadium. "And now, the question on everyone''s mind: Can he take the top 3 position? Can he defeat the Windstorm Queen?!" Seojun''s gaze shifted to the center of the arena. A woman with shoulder length brown hair, streaked with silver underneath, stood calmly, facing off against her opponent. Her movements were measured, almost effortless. Every strike she made seemed precise, every dodge executed with minimal movement. She fought with a grace that made it look like she wasn''t even trying. Her opponent, arge man with broad shoulders and a fierce expression, was visibly frustrated. Sweat dripped down his face, and his breath came in ragged gasps. He swung his sword with heavy, desperate movements, trying to break through the woman''s defenses, but she evaded each strike with ease. The crowd roared with excitement, their cheers growing louder with every passing second. The woman''s calm demeanor seemed to only further irritate her opponent, who was growing more reckless with each swing. Suddenly, the woman''s eyes flicked upward, ncing into the crowd. Her gaze seemed to pierce through the sea of faces, and for a brief moment, her eyes met Seojun''s. Seojun felt a jolt run through him, a strange sensation he couldn''t quite ce. His heart skipped a beat. There was something familiar in her gaze, something that tugged at his memory. "Seojun! We found her!" Alex''s voice shouted from somewhere above. Seojun tore his eyes away from the woman in the arena and looked up, spotting Alex waving at him from the stands. Without a second thought, he turned and sprinted toward Alex, pushing his way through the crowd. Just as he reached Alex, a sudden explosion rocked the stadium. Seojun and Alex turned back to see a massive cloud of dust rising from the center of the arena. The audience gasped in shock, and the announcer''s voice boomed over the speakers. "Did you see that?! It looks like our top 3 lost focus and didn''t see that attacking! But look at this¡ªshe''s still standing! She won!" brought-to-you-by-MvLeMpYr As the dust dissapear, the figure of the woman became visible. She was injured, a gash running down her arm, but she was still standing. Her opponenty on the ground, defeated. The crowd erupted into cheers and apuse, the energy in the arena reaching a fever pitch. "The Windstorm Queen wins again!" the announcer dered. "What an incredible fight! Even with thatst-minute attack, she''se out on top! Truly a remarkable performance!" The stadium was filled with a mixture of awe and excitement as the woman raised her hand, acknowledging the crowd. Seojun couldn''t take his eyes off her. There was something about her, something that felt¡­ familiar. Chapter 119: Chapter 119: Shes what? "Where is she?" Alex nced over his shoulder "She''s outside, with Alexa," he replied, but there was a hint of something else in his tone. Seojun noticed Alex''s expression, the way his face seemed tight with worry, "What''s wrong?" Seojun asked, but Alex just shook his head, looking down at his feet. Without another word, they pushed their way through the bustling crowd, heading toward the exit. When they reached the corner, Seojun saw Alexa standing near an older woman, her face partially turned away, looking off into the distance. Alexa seemed tense, ncing between the woman and Seojun as they approached. Seojun''s heart began to pound in his chest. He took a deep breath, his hands starting to tremble. He could feel it¡ªa connection, something deep and unexinable pulling him toward the woman. He closed his eyes, listening. Even amidst the noise of the crowd, he could hear it¡ªthe familiar, rhythmic beating of a heart he once knew so well. His breath hitched. His hands shook as he slowly reached out and touched the old woman''s shoulder. "Mom...?" he whispered, his voice breaking, tears welling up in his eyes. The woman turned around, slowly, her faceing into view. Seojun''s breath caught in his throat as he looked at her. "W-who are you?" he stuttered, taking a step back, his voice thick with confusion and shock. "What is this? I thought you found Mom?" Alexa responded, holding up a small gadget. "This device," she said, "Helps to find Auntie by the heartbeat, It''s hard to exin but It led me to her." Confusion and fear clouded Seojun''s eyes as he demanded, "What do you mean?" The old woman, with a somber expression, spoke softly, "Last year, I had a heart surgery, and someone donated this heart to me." As the realization dawned, Seojun''s face went pale. His voice cracked, "N-no, it can''t be," Alex gently ced his hands on Seojun''s shoulders and handed him a letter. "W-What is this?" Seojun asked, his voice barely a whisper. "That is the donor''s letter. The surgeon gave it to me, asking me to pass it to her son." Seojun''s hands shook uncontrobly as he opened the letter. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to hold back the flood of emotions, and when he finally opened his eyes to read, he was overwhelmed by the sight of the familiar handwriting. His tears flowed freely as he recognized the words and copsed to his knees. The letter was one of several. The first letter read: "Seojun, my beloved son, if you''re reading this, I''m so d you''re finally back. I''ve been waiting for you, hoping and praying every day for your return. I even sought help from the Ford, but I couldn''t find you. Today, I celebrate your 21st birthday. Happy birthday, my precious son. I had a cake made just for you. Pleasee back. Mommy misses you so much." Seojun opened the next letter, his heart heavy: "I feel weak more than the usual and I don''t know if you will see me when you return. If I''m gone before you get back, please don''t worry about me. I will be watching over you from above. Live your life, Seojun. I am proud of you, always." Tears streamed down Alexa''s face as she watched Seojun''s anguish. She started crying openly, and Alex embraced her, offering herfort. Seojun''s hands shook violently as he read the final letter, which was stained with blood. The letter contained a message that broke his heart even further: "I love you My baby. Always and forever." Seojun''s world shattered as he clutched the letter to his chest, his body wracked with sobs. He cried out desperately, calling for his mother, his voice filled with raw pain and longing. The old woman, seeing his suffering, knelt beside him and wrapped her arms around him, offering what littlefort she could. In a whisper, she said, "Your mother was involved in a hit-and-run ident. Her heart was healthy, but her liver was not. She was so kind to donate her heart to me so I could be with my son a little longer. I''m deeply sorry. I never wanted to ept it, but circumstances forced my hand, and she was dered brain dead." As the weight of the old woman''s words sank in, Seojun''s cries grew more intense. The old woman looked at Seojun with sympathy. "I''m so sorry, I know this won''t make it better, but I''ll carry her love with me, always." Seojun didn''t respond. His eyes stayed on the letters in his hands, his face nk. Alexa wiped her own tears and whispered, "Thank you," to the woman, her voice choked with emotion. Alex gave a curt nod, his face tight with concern. "We appreciate you sharing this with us. We''ll¡­ take it from here," The woman gave a final nod and walked away. Seojun sit still, lost in his grief. Alex and Alexa exchanged a worried look. "Let''s get him to the car," Alex said, gently guiding Seojun. Seojun followed, moving like he was on autopilot. The ride to the hotel was silent. Alexa sat next to Seojun, watching him hold the letters tightly. She reached out, touching his arm. "Seojun¡­ if you want to talk, I''m here," she whispered. He didn''t react, staring at his mother''s handwriting, his eyes empty. Alex nced at him in the mirror, worry growing. When they reached the hotel, they quickly checked in. "This is your room, Seojun," Alex said softly. Seojun stepped inside and locked the door. Alexa''s eyes filled with panic. "What if he harms himself, brother?" she whispered, holding Alex''s arm tightly. "He looked so¡­ broken." Alex sighed. "Auntie was his only family. He''s an only son, and his father is dead," he said quietly. "We have to give him some space, let him process this." Alexa bit her lip, looking at the door. "I hope he doesn''t do anything that will harm himself." "We''ll stay right here," Alex assured. "If he doesn''te out soon, we''ll get in. I promise." Inside, Seojun sat on the bed, still staring at the letters, hearing his mother''s voice in his mind. His chest tightened, but he held back his tears. He gripped the letters harder, feeling numb. this-chapter-is-MVLeMpYr Outside, Alex and Alexa waited, listening for any sound, ready to act, hoping Seojun would open the door or at least make a sound. But all they heard was the quiet hum of the air conditioner, while Seojun remained lost in his grief, alone with his pain and his mother''s final words. Chapter 120: Chapter 120: Lets find her Huno sat in front of Seojun''s door, his eyes fixed on the handle as if willing it to open. His tail was low, and his ears twitched with every small noise. He whimpered softly, his worry clear. Alex noticed Huno''s posture and walked over, taking a seat beside therge dog. He gently petted Huno''s head. "It''s a good thing you seem to understand the situation," Alex murmured. "Don''t worry. Seojun is a strong guy." Huno whimpered again, a low, mournful sound. Alex sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I might be dumb, talking to a ordinary dog," he muttered, "but if you sense Seojun is about to do something¡­ bark at us, okay?" To Alex''s surprise, Huno nodded, a slow, deliberate motion. Alex blinked, a mix of shock and sadness crossing his face. "Thank you for staying with Seojun,I''ll go get you some food." Alex gave him a final pat and headed toward the kitchen, leaving Alexa on the sofa, her eyes still fixed on Seojun''s closed door. Hunoy down, resting his head on his paws, but his eyes never left the door. ''Father, what will happen to Master?'' Huno spoke, his voice trembling with concern. [It''s taking too long for the Goddess to respond. Just stay on guard. We can''t let Seojun fall into despair.] ''Yes, Father,'' Huno replied, his ears ttening against his head. ''I hope Master will be okay soon.'' He whimpered again, He listened to the sounds around him¡ªthe faint tter of dishes from the kitchen, Alexa''s quiet breathing, and the unnerving silence from the room beyond the door. Huno stayed vignt, ready to act if his beloved Master needed him. Alex returned from the kitchen with a bowl of food, carefully setting it down in front of Huno. "Here you go, buddy," he said softly, trying to sound cheerful. "You need to eat. Seojun would want you to take care of yourself, too." Huno stared at the bowl, his ears t, not moving a muscle. His tail remained still, and he gave the food only a passing nce before turning his gaze back to the door. "Come on, Huno," crouching down beside him. "You have to eat. Seojun''s going to need you, and you can''t help him on an empty stomach." Huno let out a low whimper, Alex sighed and tried again. "Look, I know you''re worried about him. We all are," stroking Huno''s fur. "But Seojun needs you strong. If you don''t eat, you won''t be able to help him when hees out of there." Huno lowered his head, still refusing to eat. ''How can I eat when my Master is suffering?'' He thought, Alex continued, "I know it''s hard. I''ve known Seojun, and he''s always been strong, always fought through everything. This¡­ this is different, but he''lle back to us. You just have to trust him." Huno nced up at Alex, his eyes softening for a moment. He nudged the bowl with his nose, but still didn''t take a bite. "Please, Huno," Alex urged gently. "For Seojun. Eat something, so you have the strength to help him. He needs you more than ever now." Huno hesitated, then slowly leaned down and took a small bite, chewing slowly. Alex smiled a little, relieved. "That''s it, good boy," he said softly. "I know it''s hard, but we''ve got to stay strong. For him." Huno swallowed and took another bite, but his thoughts remained on Seojun. ''I''ll eat¡­ but only so I can be ready when he needs me,'' Huno thought. ''Master¡­ please,e back to us soon.'' stay-updated-with-MVLeMpYr Morning arrived, but Seojun''s door remained closed. He hadn''te out. Hunoy by the door all night, his eyes fixed on it, waiting. Suddenly, the system''s voice broke the silence. [Seojun is gone.] Huno jumped to his feet immediately, his ears perked up. ''Gone? Where did he go?'' [We need to find him, now,] Huno didn''t waste a second. He dashed toward the front door just as Alexa opened it to receive a delivery. She was distracted, signing for the package, and didn''t notice Huno slipping through the gap, his movements swift and determined. Alex called from inside, "Who is it?" "Just the delivery," Alexa replied, shutting the door without realizing Huno had escaped. Outside, Huno ran as fast as his legs could carry him, his heart pounding with urgency. [We''ve got news: his mother is alive. We must take her to Seojun,] the system''s voice guided him. "Let''s get her!"Huno thought, racing through the crowded streets. He dodged people and cars, narrowly missing a bicycle that swerved out of his way. His senses were sharp, focused on the path ahead, and he followed the system''s directions, his paws barely touching the ground. Meanwhile, on a distant rooftop, Seojun stood alone, gazing out at the city below. The wind tugged at his clothes, his hair whipped around his face. His eyes were empty, his shoulders slumped. He spoke to the wind, his voice breaking, "I survived 500 years just to see you again, Mom... but why didn''t you wait for me?" His voice was choked with pain. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he gazed out, feeling the weight of his loss crushing him. "I came back for you¡­ and now you''re gone." "You were the only family I had¡­ and you didn''t even wait for me." He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white, as the tears welled up again in his eyes. "How can I ever forgive myself for leaving you alone? For not being there when you needed me most¡­" He felt the sting of his own words, the rawness of the emotions tearing through him like a storm. "You did everything for me, gave up everything¡­ and I didn''t even get the chance to repay you¡­ to tell you how much you meant to me." Seojun stood on the edge of the rooftop, feeling the cold metal railing beneath his feet. The city stretched far below him, a blur of buildings and people. The wind whipped around him, tugging at his clothes and hair. He spread his arms, taking a deep breath, and looked down at the ground far below. He felt a calmness take over, as if the wind was inviting him to let go. The world tilted as he leaned forward, his eyes closing. With onest breath, he stepped off the edge. Chapter 121: Chapter 121: Why is he attacking us?! Seojun fell through the air, Just before he hit the ground, he vanished into thin air leaving no trace behind. On one of the floating inds Zones high above, a group of awakeners was in a fierce battle against a massive, fearsome boss monster. They were struggling, their weapons and spells barely making a dent in the creature''s thick hide. "Stay focused! We need to bring it down!" yelled the leader, his voice hoarse from shouting. "I''m running out of mana!" the mage shouted, casting a final, weak spell that barely affected the boss. "We need to figure out a new strategy!" "We can''t hold out much longer!" the healer cried, trying to keep everyone in fighting shape while struggling with exhaustion. "Boss! We need a break or we''re finished! We have to escape for now!" One of the fighters, his armor dented and scratched, gritted his teeth. "Everyone! We need to regroup! This thing is too strong!" The leader nodded, sweat dripping from his brow. "Just wait! A little more Guys! Concentrate on the weak spots! We can''t let up now!" The group fought with increasing desperation, their attacks bing more frantic as the monster. The mage''s spells grew weaker, and the healer struggled to keep up with the growing number of injuries. As the battle continue, a sudden sh of light lit up the sky above them. The warriors nced up, momentarily distracted by the strange, luminous phenomenon. "What was that light?" one of the fighters asked, looking up with a mix of confusion and hope. "It''s probably nothing," the leader said, trying to keep everyone''s focus on the battle. "Just keep fighting! Don''t let your guard down!" The group pressed on, unaware of the mysterious event happening above them. The battle on the floating zone had reached a critical point. Exhausted and battered, the group of awakeners struggled to stay on their feet as the massive boss monster loomed over them, its roars echoing through the skies. Their attacks were now weak and ineffective, and it seemed like their efforts were in vain. "Hold on!" the leader shouted, though his voice was barely more than a whisper. "W-We can''t f-fight Anymore," One of the fighters copsed, their strength finally giving out. The healer, barely conscious, continued to mend wounds, but her efforts were futile against the relentless onught. The mage, drained of mana, could no longer cast spells and stood frozen in fear. As the monster prepared to deliver a final, crushing blow, a sudden, blinding sh of light cut through the darkness. The awakeners shielded their eyes, When the light faded, a man with striking blue eyes and brown hair stood in their midst. He was bare-handed, his fists glowing with a faint, intense energy. He didn''t speak, his face expressionless and focused as he stepped forward. Without hesitation, the man began to fight. Each punch he delivered was powerful and precise, sending shockwaves through the boss monster. The creature roared in agony with every hit, its attacks growing increasingly disorganized. "Who is that guy?" one of the fighters murmured in disbelief. "How is he handling the boss so easily?" The leader, struggling to his feet, gasped,The mage, eyes wide with amazement, managed to reply, "I don''t know, but he''s saving us!" Another fighter, eyes wide, added, "This is insane! How can that monster not withstand his punches?" As the man continued his relentless assault, one of the awakeners quickly pulled out a streaming device and began broadcasting the fight. "This is incredible! I''m streaming this live¡ªpeople need to see this!" The man''s fists moved with a speed and force that seemed almost otherworldly. Each blownded with a resounding impact, and the boss monster staggered under the relentless assault. It was clear that the creature was no match for the man''s strength. A murmuredment drifted through the group. "Is that a foreigner? Where did hee from?" The leader, still reeling from exhaustion, watched in stunned silence as the man delivered a final, crushing blow. The monster copsed with a deafening roar, defeated atst. The battle was over, and the boss monstery defeated on the ground. The man with blue eyes and brown hair stood above it, his eyes closed as if lost in thought. The leader of the group, still catching his breath, approached the man with a mix of gratitude and curiosity. "Thank you so much Sir! May i ask who you are?" he asked, his voice strained but sincere. Without responding, the man raised his palm toward the group. "me st" A sudden, intense dark energe began to go toward them and the leader''s instincts red with rm. "Barrier!" he shouted, The awakeners scrambled to form a protective barrier around themselves. But the force was unlike anything they had encountered¡ªpowerful and unrelenting. "Is that dark me?!" one of the fighters murmured in shock, staring at the swirling, dark ominous energy. "Why is he attacking us?!" another fighter cried out, panic evident in their voice. "How can a this be so strong?!" someone else shouted. "I can''t hold on to the barrier! Boss! We gotta do something!" The pressure from the me st grew more intense, pushing the group closer to the edge of the sknd. The barrier was straining under the immense force, bending and crackling with energy. The healer, who was desperately trying to support the barrier with her buffs, saw the danger clearly. "We''re gonna fall!" she shouted in terror, realizing that the edge of the floating ind was dangerously near. The me st suddenly vanished, and the force pushing against the group disappeared. They copsed, breathing heavily and trying to recover. "What just happened?" someone whispered, their voice filled with confusion and exhaustion. The healer, still on her knees, nced around with wide eyes. "Look ahead!" she pointed, her voice trembling.The others, straining to lift their heads, followed her gaze. Their eyes widened in shock as they took in the sight before them. read-more-at-NovelFire "It''s gone!" the healer eximed. "The boss''s body and the man¡ªthey''re both gone!" "What?!" the leader shouted in disbelief, struggling to his feet.The group stared at the empty forest where the boss monster and the mysterious man had been moments ago. The floating ind zone became quiet and the once menacing Dark me was nowhere to be seen. Chapter 122: Chapter 122: Finally... Seojuny in darkness, feeling warm and safe. A soft voice called his name over and over again. "Seojun... Seojun..." story-at-NovelFire The voice was familiar. He slowly opened his eyes and saw a face he hadn''t seen in a long time. Tears filled his eyes as he realized who it was. It was his mother. Her hair once brown, was now white with age. Her face had deep lines, showing the years that had passed But her eyes were still warm and loving, the same as he remembered. She smiled gently and touched his face, wiping away his tears with a soft, wrinkled hand. "Mom¡­" She didn''t speak, just kept caressing his face. Seojun''s head rested in herp, and he could feel her hand trembling slightly. He reached up, took her hand, and held it tight, his eyes closing as more tears slipped down his cheeks. "I''m d you visited me in my dream, Mom," he said softly. His mother kept stroking his cheek, her thumb moving in slow, calming circles. Her other hand squeezed his, holding on like she never wanted to let go. He could hear her breathing, slow and a little shaky, like she was trying not to cry, too. After a moment, she spoke, her voice soft and full of love. "My dear Seojun¡­ I''ve missed you so much." Seojun''s heart ached at her words. He held her hand tighter, feeling the rough and soft parts that were so familiar to him. His lips trembled, but he couldn''t find the words to say. All he could do was cry. She leaned down and kissed his forehead gently, her breath warm against his skin. He felt a calmnesse over him, easing the pain he had carried for so long. "It''s okay, my son," she whispered. "I''m here now." Tears kept rolling down Seojun''s face, but he felt some peace now. For a moment, he felt like he was home. He closed his eyes again, holding her hand close, trying to hold on to this moment as long as he could. "Just a little longer..." he murmured, feeling himself drifting back into darkness, still holding his mother''s hand. "Stay with me a little longer, Mom..." Seojun drifted back into sleep, feeling the warmth of his mother''s presence fading away. But then, his eyes snapped open. He sat up quickly, his breathing uneven, and looked around. He was in a hotel room, Confusion and disappointment washed over him as he realized it had all been a dream. His hands gripped his hair, and he looked down, muttering sadly, "Mom¡­" "Yes?" His head shot up. His eyes widened at the familiar voice. A woman was approaching him from across the room. Seojun stared at her, unable to believe what he was seeing. She had the same kind eyes, the same gentle smile. She put a tray of food on the table in front of him, then sat down beside him, her smile widening as she noticed his stunned expression. "Why is my son crying again?" she asked softly. "Did you have a bad dream?" Seojun''s lips trembled, his heart racing in his chest. He stammered, "Am¡­ am I still dreaming?" His mother chuckled lightly. "Of course not, Seojun. I''m real." Seojun''s eyes widened further. He hesitated then reached out with shaky hands cupping her face She felt warm, alive. His fingers brushed over her cheeks, feeling the smoothness of her skin. She didn''t look old like she did in his dream¡ªshe looked younger, just as he remembered her from years ago. "Are you¡­ for real?" he whispered, his voice cracking. "B-but you¡­ you don''t look old¡­" She smiled softly, her eyes filled with warmth and love. "It''s not important Seojun. The important is Mommy''s alive." For a moment, Seojun just stared at her, trying to process what was happening. Tears filled his eyes again, and he didn''t hesitate any longer. He lunged forward, wrapping his arms around her tightly, burying his face in her shoulder. "Mom¡­" he sobbed, his voice muffled against her. "Mom, you''re really here¡­ I thought¡­ I thought I lost you¡­" His mother held him close, her hand gently stroking his hair. "Shh, it''s okay, my baby boy," she whispered soothingly. "I''m here now. I''ve missed you so much." Seojun clung to her like he was afraid she might disappear if he let go. "I''ve missed you too, Mom¡­ so much¡­ You don''t know how much I''ve wanted to see you." She continued to hold him, rocking him gently back and forth. "I''m here now, Seojun. You don''t have to worry anymore." Seojun wiped his tears away and slowly pulled back from the hug, looking at his mother with a mix of confusion and concern. "But¡­ what about that old woman?" he asked quietly. "She said you gave her your heart. A-And I could hear the heartbeat¡­ I knew it was yours." His mother''s smile remained gentle as she nodded. "I was dered brain dead, Seojun," she exined softly. "But I suddenly woke up in the hospital room." Seojun listened closely, his heart still pounding with uncertainty. "I was here in a US hospital," she continued. "And your uncle saved me." "Uncle Shaun?" Seojun asked, his eyes widening in surprise. His mother nodded, her smile fading a bit as she spoke more seriously. "Yes, brother Shaun. When he came to visit he couldn''t find me. And when he learned I was brain dead and that my heart was going to be transnted to an old woman, he immediately begged the god who blessed him for a miracle. I came back to life¡­ but at a cost. Half of your uncle''s remaining lifetime was taken away." Seojun''s eyes filled with worry. "S-so, Uncle Shaun is dead?" His mother chuckled, unable to hold back augh. "Of course not! I got you there, didn''t I?" Seojun pouted, his cheeks puffing out in frustration. "Mom! Don''t joke about things like that!" Sheughed again, the sound light and full of joy. "I''m sorry, I couldn''t resist," she said, wiping away a tear from her ownughter. "But it''s true, Brother was willing to sacrifice his life for me. The goddess saw his pure heart and decided to bless him. They returned the lifetime that was taken from him. So, not only did he survive, but he also brought me here to the US to get the best care." Chapter 123: Chapter 123: Time with my Mom Seojun sat quietly, his mind full of questions. Why did Uncle Shaun suddenly have a change of heart? Why did he regret it now? After all those years of ignoring us, why did he suddenly care enough to save Mom''s life? It didn''t make sense to him. He always saw his uncle as cold and uncaring even change his surname. NovelFire-your-novel-source For so many years, Uncle Shaun wanted nothing to do with them. Seojun remembered how his mother had begged her brother for help when things were really hard. She had asked for money, anything to help them get by but Uncle Shaun never answered. He had turned his back on them and went to the US, avoiding thempletely. As Seojun was deep in thought, his mother gently held his hand, her touch warm andforting. "Seojun," she said softly, making him look up at her, "I know it''s hard to understand, but your uncle regrets turning his back on us when we needed him." "He wants to talk to you soon," his mother continued, her voice full of hope. "I hope you''ll treat him well, give him a chance to make things right." Seojun''s mother smiled warmly at him. "Now, let''s eat before the food gets cold," she said, picking up a spoon and trying to feed him herself like he was still a little boy. Seojun''s face flushed with embarrassment. "Mom, I can do it myself. Thank you," he mumbled, quickly taking the spoon from her hand. His mother chuckled softly, her eyes full of affection. "My son has grown up," As they ate, Seojun felt warmth spread through him. The food tasted better than anything he''d had in a long time, perhaps because he was sharing it with his mother. They talked andughed, catching up as if no time had passed. Seojun felt a happiness he hadn''t felt in what seemed like forever. After finishing the meal, they continued to chat, enjoying each other''spany. His mother suddenly asked, "Where have you been all this time, Seojun?" Seojun hesitated for a moment, then simply said, "Somewhere." His tone was light, and though his mother could have pushed for more, she didn''t. She just nodded, understanding that he wasn''t ready to talk about it yet. Instead, Seojun turned the question around. "Mom, how do you still look like you didst time I saw you? I think you became young and You haven''t aged a bit." His motherughed, a light, gentle sound. "You know our family has these good genes, right?" she teased. "Besides, your uncle''s goddess gave me this blessing." Seojun raised an eyebrow. "You''re an awakener, Mom?" She shook her head, smiling. "No, I''m not. I''m just blessed to look young and have a slightly longer life. That''s all." Seojun let out a small sigh of relief, his smile returning. "I''m d, Mom." They continued talking for hours, sharing stories and memories,ughing about old times and discussing small, everyday things they had missed. For a moment, it felt like the world outside didn''t exist. There were only the two of them, together again. Meanwhile, in the other room, Alex, Alexa, and Huno peeked their heads around the door, watching them. Alexa''s eyes welled up with tears of joy. "Look at Seojun," she whispered, her voice trembling. "He''s be so lively again." "Just like before," Alex agreed quietly. He nced down at Huno and gave him a gentle pat. "Good job, Huno." Huno barked softly, just loud enough for Seojun and his mother to hear in the next room. As Alex, Alexa, and Huno realized they had been caught peeking, they exchanged a look and slowly stepped out of the room. "Enjoy your time together," Alex said with a small smile, waving his hand. "Don''t mind us." Alexa nodded in agreement, wiping away the happy tears from her eyes. "We''ll be outside if you need anything," she added, gently closing the door behind her. With the room quiet again, Seojun turned his attention back to his mother. The joy he felt being with her again was overwhelming. His mother was the same as he remembered¡ªkind, warm, and full of life. "Tell me more about what happened after I left, Mom," Seojun said, leaning back in his chair, his eyes never leaving her face. "I missed so much." His mother smiled softly and began to recount stories of the little things¡ªold neighbors, new friends, and the quiet moments she had missed with him. Her voice wasforting, each word wrapping around Seojun like a warm nket. Meanwhile, Huno sat just outside the door and thought, Master looks so different now. He''s smiling...ughing... but it feels different. Huno couldn''t help but notice, This isn''t like him at all the happiness his showing is different from when they''re in the abyss. But now... he looks genuinely happy. [What you''re seeing right now is what real happiness looks like, Seojun¡­ he''s finally having a moment where he can just be himself, without all the weight he''s been carrying.] System spoke. Huno went quiet, letting the words sink in. It was a new perspective for him. ''So, this is what makes Master truly happy?'' [Exactly, He''s been through a lot But right now, with his mother, he''s feeling something that doesn''te from any battle or victory. Ites from love and peace. This is why he keeps going.] Huno''s heads nodded slowly, one after the other, understanding dawning on him. ''I see¡­If this is what Master wants, what makes him smile¡­ then I will protect it with everything I have.'' Several days had passed, and Seojun''s behavior had noticeably changed. Whenever he was with his mother, his face lighting up with genuine smiles andughter. But around others, he still wore his usual serious expression, his demeanor calm andposed. One morning, as they sat together in the hotel room, Seojun turned to his mother, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Mom, do you want to watch the tournamentter today?" he asked.His mother looked up from her tea, surprised. "Can we?" she asked, her eyes widening with interest. Seojun smiled, his whole face softening in that familiar way he only showed to her. "Of course, Mom. Anything for you."Just then, Alex and Alexa poked their heads in from the other room, grinning. "We''reing too!" Alexa said. Chapter 124: Chapter 124: Last Day of tournament see-more-NovelFire As Seojun''s mother went into her room to get ready, Alex walked up to Seojun, his expression serious. "Looks like you''ve forgotten what you did," Alex said, crossing his arms and watching Seojun closely. Seojun frowned, slightly confused. "What are you talking about?" Alex clicked his tongue and shook his head, looking at Seojun as if he couldn''t believe he had to remind him. "Don''t you remember? You went into the Sknds Dungeon. You defeated the boss there and then¡­ attacked the other awakeners." Seojun''s brows furrowed as he tried to remember. For a moment, he couldn''t ce it, but then shes of what had happened flooded back to him, he was able to use me st how can he forget that? "Oh¡­ right," Seojun muttered, his eyes narrowing as he pieced it together. "I went there to cool down. But things didn''t exactly go as nned¡­ I lost control." "Yeah, you think? You went on a rampage and had to drag your sorry self back here," Alexa said as she walked towards them, her voice half-serious, half-exasperated. Seojun blinked, the memory still foggy in his mind. "How did Ie back here? I don''t remember that part." Alexa looked at him, her eyebrows raising in surprise. "You don''t know? When we got back, you were already here." Seojun''s confusion deepened. "I don''t remember returning." Alexa nodded, crossing her arms. "Yeah, you weren''t just there¡ªyou were on a rampage. It''s a miracle you didn''t end up killing those awakeners in the dungeon. They''re pretty shaken up but alive." She gave him a serious look. "You''ve got some exining to do about that overpowered dark me of yours." Alex looked at Seojun with a serious expression. "We need to do another status evaluation. The global system might have made an error and given you an F-rank evaluation instead of what you actually deserve." Seojun sighed and shook his head. "Let it stay like this. I don''t want to be known by the public. Please, just let me live peacefully with my mom." Alex and Alexa exchanged nces, seeing the resolve in Seojun''s eyes. They could tell how important this was to him. "Are you sure? You can have everything Fame , money and position." Alexa asked, her voice softening with concern. Seojun nodded firmly. "Yes. I''m sure." Both Alex and Alexa sighed, realizing how serious Seojun was about his wish. "If that''s what you want," Alex said reluctantly, "we''ll handle it. We''ll take down the video from the Sknds Dungeon to avoid attracting more attention." Seojun''s eyes widened slightly. "That was recorded?" Alexa, arms crossed, gave him a sharp look. "How else do you think we knew what happened? Hmp, hiding secrets from us. I hate you, Seojun," she said, her tone carrying a mix of frustration and hurt. Without another word, she turned and walked away. Seojun watched her go, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew he hadn''t meant to keep things from them. Alex pped Seojun on the shoulder. "We''ll sort this out, Seojun. But remember, hiding things doesn''t always work in your favor." Seojun nodded, appreciating Alex''s understanding. [Why don''t you tell them, Host? Don''t you want everyone to praise and admire you?] his system inquired, eager to understand his hesitation. "Because telling them everything could be dangerous," Seojun replied. "Even though I trust Alex and Alexa, the world is full of unseen threats. If they know how powerful I am, it could make them targets. Enemies often go after those closest to someone with great power. I don''t want to risk their safety by revealing my abilities." [That''s a valid concern, Host,] the system responded. [Even trusted friends can be manipted or coerced. Keeping your abilities secret protects them from conflicts they don''t fully understand. Sometimes, ignorance is a form of safety in a world full of danger.] "It''s better to keep this myself" Hours Later... The final day of the tournament was here, and Seojun, Alex, and Alexa had front-row seats. The excitement in the arena was electric as the crowd waited for thest day of matches. The announcer''s voice came over the speakers, booming and full of energy. "Ladies and gentlemen, wee to the most awaited day of the tournament! Today, we will witness the climactic battles between the top rankers who have fought their way through fiercepetition to reach this stage!" The crowd cheered wildly, their excitement palpable. Seojun turned to his mother, who was watching the arena with keen interest. He whispered, "I didn''t know you were interested in this." His mother smiled andughed softly. "I found this cool, actually. Don''t mind me, son. Look, it''s starting!" The announcer continued, "Let''s introduce our top 10 rankers! Fighting today, we have Mr. Daniel Smith, who is currently ranked 10th, and Mr. Shaun O''Connor, the 9th ranker!" The crowd roared as the fighters took their positions. The announcer added, "If Mr. Daniel Smith can defeat Mr. Shaun O''Connor, he will rise in the rankings and get closer to the top spot. Let''s see how this match unfolds!" Seojun watched with interest, knowing that these top fighters were among the best. The tournament was not only an exciting event but also a valuable learning experience. "Seojun look here" Alexa spoke and Seojun look at her that is now showing a hologram. She held up a holographic disy that projected a visual diagram of the tournament''s structure. "Thepetition will involve a series of one-on-one battles. The current top ten will battle the top nine. If you win, you will rise to the position of top nine and face off against the current top eight. This pattern will continue until the final match." Alexa pointed to the diagram, illustrating how each victorious contender would move up the ranks. "Essentially, the winner of each battle will ascend in the rankings, challenging the next highest-rankedpetitor. You''ll need to win each match to keep climbing thedder." She paused. "To sum it up: beat the person above you, and you move up. Fail, and you remain where you are. The tournament is a test of both skill and strategy, and only those who rise through the ranks will have the chance to im the top position." "Okay?" Though Seojun had not asked for an exnation, Alexa turned to him with a knowing smile. "Seojun, I thought you might be interested in the rules. It''s a straightforward but intense system. Each match could be your chance to move up." The match between Daniel Smith and Shaun O''Connor had begun, and the arena buzzed with excitement. Seojun watched as the two top rankers showcased their extraordinary skills. Shaun wielded powerful fire abilities, sending waves of mes across the arena, while Daniel''s mastery over shadows allowed him to seamlessly blend into the darkness and strike with precision. The speed and power they disyed were breathtaking. Seojun''s recognized something familiar and thought ''Is that Uncle Shaun?'' His mother, who was equally engrossed in the match, turned to him with a surprised look. "Yes, Shaun is one of the top rankers." Seojun nodded slowly, processing the information. "So, that''s why you got interested in this. It''s because of Uncle." Chapter 125: Chapter 125: For my Mom Mental and emotional sake As Seojun watched, he sensed something unsettling about Shaun''s opponent. A dark presence seemed to linger around him, and he activated his appraisal skill. [Appraisal Activated] Name: Shaun O''Connor. US Top 9 Ranker Rank:B ss: Pyromancer Title: me Warrior Stats: Strength: B Stamina: B Agility: A Mana: A Seojun decided to check the opponent''s stats. He activated his appraisal skill, but an error message appeared. [Error: Unable to ess Data] Seojun was stunned. This had never happened before. He looked back at the arena, feeling the dark energy around Shaun''s opponent growing stronger. Then his system''s voice spoke up, breaking through his confusion. [A dark entity is supporting your uncle''s opponent. He''s in danger.] Seojun''s eyes widened. What he thought was just dark energy was actually a serious threat. He turned to his friends and his mom, who were cheering enthusiastically from the stands. He announced, "I''m heading to the restroom. I''ll be back soon." Alexa called out, "You''re leaving? It''s just getting to the exciting part! You''ll miss it!" "No can do," Seojun replied firmly, his voice tinged with urgency. He then turned to his mom, offering a reassuring smile. "I''lle back." His mom smiled warmly at him and said, "Be careful." Seojun nodded and made his way out of the crowded stadium seats. He navigated through the less popted corners of the arena, seeking a spot where he could concentrate without distractions. Once he found a quiet corner, Seojun took a deep breath and addressed his system. "Try to appraise him again. I need to know what''s going on." [Understood Host Re-initiating appraisal.] As Seojun waited, he scanned the arena from his vantage point, his mind racing with concerns about the dark entity and the danger it posed. After several tries, each returning errors or iplete results, he was growing frustrated. Huno, in his Rottweiler form, silently followed Seojun. The dog growled softly as he watched the battle, sensing something was off. The match continued, and it became clear that Shaun was struggling. His fire attacks seemed to be having less impact on his opponent, who was now showing an eerie strength. The crowd began to notice something strange and started to murmur. "Why isn''t Shaun winning?" someone asked. "There''s something wrong with the opponent," another person said. "Look at that dark aura¡ªwhat''s happening?" Seojun''s concern grew as he saw Shaun being pushed back and the dark energy intensifying. He knew he couldn''t wait any longer. "System, I need that appraisal now" Seojun demanded. [Appraisal sessful. Dark entity detected. Opponent is being controlled by a powerful dark force.] [Appraisal activated] Name: Daniel Smith Rank: B ss: Shadow Maniptor Title: Error Stats: Strength: B Stamina: C Agility: A Mana: C Special Note: - Cursed Ne: Daniel is possessed by a powerful curse linked to a dark artifact. The curse enhances his strength and resilience but also significantly influences his actions and abilities, making him a dangerous opponent. Daniel Smith''s cursed ne was amplifying the dark energy, and Shaun''s safety was at risk. He knew he couldn''t stand by any longer. "I have to do something," Seojun thought. "I can''t let my mom be sad because of this. I need to protect Uncle Shaun." He nced at his mom, who was visibly worried as she watched the chaotic scene unfold. [I rmend using a mask to conceal your identity, host especially if you want to live peacefully with your mother.] Before Seojun could respond, a bracelet appeared in his hands The system continued, [This bracelet contains a mask that will hide your identity. It will also alter your appearance to keep you discreet.] Seojun quickly slipped on the bracelet, and the mask materialized, covering the upper half of his face. His hair transformed into a striking white, further concealing his identity. With his new appearance. mvlemp yr content As the match intensified, the crowd began to stir in rm. Shaun wasunched through the air and mmed hard against the barrier surrounding the arena. The impact was jarring, and the barrier shimmered ominously. Seojun''s mom gasped, her face pale with worry. "Brother!" she eximed, her voice filled with concern. Alexa, noticing the panic, quickly stepped in to support her. "Calm down, Auntie. Uncle Shaun will make it through this. But why isn''t anyone intervening? It''s clear that something is wrong with his opponent." Seojun''s mom looked distressed and replied, "No one can interfere with the match. The barrier is controlled by the top-ranked fighter. It''s designed to protect the audience from harm." "But this has to stop!" Alexa insisted, her voice rising with frustration. She turned to Alex and said, "Come on, we need to find out where the top rankers are. Here stay with Auntie" Determined, Alexa pulled Alex towards Seojun''s mom. She walked quickly, her face set in a frown, and approached the nearest guard. "Where are the top rankers? We need them to stop this fight!" The guard shook his head firmly. "Fans are not allowed to meet the top rankers. Please wait until after the tournament. It''s against the rules." Alexa''s anger red. She grabbed the guard''s cor, using her considerable strength to get his attention. "Don''t you know who I am? Do you even recognize this badge?" The guard pushed Alexa back, his demeanor turning rude. "That badge is fake. I''m not impressed." Alexa''s eyes shed with irritation. She removed her cap, revealing her identity. "Now do you recognize me? I''m Alexa Ford, top ranker of Korea!" The guard, now visibly nervous, addressed Alexa with a newfound respect. "I-I''m sorry! I didn''t recognize you. What can I do for you, Ms. Alexa?" "Take me to the top rankers immediately," Alexa said firmly, her voice leaving no room for negotiation. The guard nodded quickly. "Please follow me." He led Alexa and Seojun''s mom through the arena''s corridors, heading towards the top floor where the top rankers were observing the match. They moved swiftly, the tension palpable as they ascended the stairs.Arriving at arge, secured door, the guard paused and knocked firmly. The door creaked open slightly, and a voice from inside called, "What''s the issue?"The guard exined, "Ms. Alexa Ford, one of Korea''s top rankers is here." Chapter 126: Chapter 126: Make it fast As Alexa waited anxiously, a voice echoed from within the room. It was the voice of a woman The door swung open, and Alexa entered with a serious expression. The room was elegantly designed, reminiscent of a grand theater with plush seating arranged in tiers, allowing an unobstructed view of the arena below. Inside, Alexa saw five individuals and two teenagers who looked strikingly familiar and she realized that One of the individual is Jonathan Hamilton and his two children Nathan and Elshienne. the two teens waved hi to Alexa and she nodded at them. A woman with short ck hair stepped forward. She wore a sleek ck dress that bared her shoulders and arms, revealing a tasteful amount of cleavage. In her hand, she held a ss of wine, and delicate white wings adorned her back, giving her an ethereal appearance. "So, you''re Alexa Ford, the top 10 ranker of Korea," the woman said, her tone both assessing and intrigued. Alexa nodded, her focus unwavering. "Yes, I am. We need to address a critical issue in the arena. There''s a dark force influencing the match, and it''s putting lives at risk." The woman in the ck dress leaned against the railing, her gaze fixed on the arena below. "We can''t interfere," she said with a hint of frustration. "The barrier is no longer under my control." Alexa''s frustration boiled over. "What do you mean it''s no longer under your control? We need to do something now!" The woman''s eyes met Alexa''s with a serious expression. "The barrier is being controlled by a dark entity that has possessed Shaun''s opponent. Even we, with our abilities, wouldn''t be able to break through it." Alexa''s anger red. She moved toward the woman, ready to demand more answers, but a man stepped in her path, blocking her way. "Isabe means that" the man said firmly, addressing the woman, "Some dark gods are interfering and it''s no longer our control this battle is no longer a tournament." Alexa''s eyes widened with disbelief. "So, what do we do now? Uncle Shaun''s life is in danger!" Isabe turned around, her eyes widening as she processed Alexa''s urgency. "Uncle Shaun?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. "Yes, Uncle Shaun is my friend''s uncle!" Alexa replied, her voice filled with desperation. "I can''t let this happen. Do something!" Alexa looked down at the arena, her eyes locked on Shaun, who was struggling to maintain his shield. She could sense the dire situation: if Shaun''s shield broke, he would be in grave danger. The tension in the arena was palpable. The crowd murmured anxiously as they watched Shaun''s struggle from above. "Help him!" Alexa shouted, her voice echoing with urgency. But before anyone could react, the shield finally gave way. A deafening explosion erupted as the shield shattered, sending a shockwave through the arena. Dust filled the arena, and the crowd gasped Murmurs spread through the audience as they tried to make sense of what had just happened. "What''s going on?" some people whispered. read first on m v _l,e m _p _y _r "Is everyone okay?" others asked, their voices filled with worry. Isabe looked down and said, "Interesting." One of the US top rankers asked, "Who is that? How did he get through the barrier?" Alexa looked down through the settling dust. Shauny unconscious on the ground. A man in a ck coat, with white hair and blue eyes, stood in front of Shaun, blocked the opponent''s attacks. Nathan and Elshienne hurried over to Alexa, their eyes wide with shock as they peered down at the arena. "Who is he?!" Elshienne asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. Nathan, equally stunned, added, "He got through the barrier that even the top rankers can''t break?!" As Seojun blocking the opponent''s shadow attacks, the opponent suddenly stopped and red at him. "Who are you?" the opponent shouted. "How dare you interfere!" Seojun nced at Shaun, who was unconscious on the ground. [Host, The opponent can use your shadow against you. Stay alert.] The system added, [You need to break the cursed ne the opponent is wearing. It''s controlling the shadows.] Seojun''s senses were on high alert as the opponentunched another vicious wave of shadow attacks. Dark tendrils snaked through the air, seeking to ensnare him. In a blur of motion, Seojun used his teleportation skill to instantly move Shaun out of the immediate danger. He reappeared outside the barrier, cing Shaun in a safer spot where he could no longer be reached by the shadows. Seojun wasted no time and used teleportation again to return inside the barrier, just as the shadows tried to follow him. The opponent, a Shadow Maniptor with dark powers, was creating and controlling shadowy tendrils that moved with lethal precision. Shadows extended from the opponent''s body, coiling and whipping through the air like serpents. Seojun zipped around, dodging the attacks by teleporting just in time.his movements a blur as he searched for the ne he needed. As he ran, he muttered, "System, block their sight" Instantly, the air inside the barrier began to swirl, and a thick dust storm formed, obscuring the view. The once-clear barrier turned into a murky veil, preventing anyone outside from seeing what was happening. The crowd outside murmured in confusion. "What''s going on? Why can''t we see anything?" one person asked, straining to see through the haze. "It''s like a wall of fog. We can''t make out what''s happening inside," another replied, eyes wide with worry. Inside the barrier, Seojun''s movements were quick and calcted. He teleported behind the opponent and shed with his sword, but the shadows twisted to shield the opponent. The opponent back down, sending a barrage of tendrils in Seojun''s direction. Seojun teleported again, reappearing high above, and looked around, scanning for the ne amidst the chaos. As the tendrilsshed out again, Seojun dodged expertly, reappearing in different spots to avoid the deadly strikes. His eyes darted around, searching for the glimmer of the ne. Each teleportation brought him closer to finding it, while the opponent''s frustration grew as Seojun''s attacks continued to disrupt their control. Chapter 127: Chapter 127: Escape from Underworld Seojun muttered, "Found it," as he spotted the ne clutched in the opponent''s hand. He stopped and nced towards the barrier, ensuring that the swirling dust was still obscuring the view. The dust storm had created a thick fog, and the faces of the onlookers were hidden from his sight. Satisfied that the audience couldn''t see them clearly, Seojun turned his attention back to the opponent. Just then, the opponent seized the moment and unleashed a final, desperate wave of shadow tendrils. The tendrils shot towards Seojun with explosive speed, but he reacted instantly. Extending his bare hand, he caught the tendrils mid-air, their dark forms wrapping around his fingers. The opponent''s eyes widened in shock as Seojun held the tendrils effortlessly. "How¡ªhow are you doing that?!" the opponent gasped, his voice trembling. Seojun maintained a calm demeanor as he looked at the opponent. "Didn''t expect me to handle your shadows so easily huh?" The opponent could only stare in disbelief as Seojun''s grip tightened, causing the shadowy tendrils to dissipate into nothingness. Seojun took a step forward, the ne now firmly in his grasp. He nced back at the barrier, reassured that the dust continued to hide the details of their confrontation. The crowd outside, still murmuring in confusion and awe, could only specte about the oue. "Can you see anything now?" one person asked, peering through the fog. "No, the dust is still too thick," another replied, frustration in their voice. "It must be intense in there if we can''t see anything! Damn it! That guy looks like the guy in the Abyssal Lord Fan channel" someone else added. With the situation under control, Seojun focused back on the opponent, who was now visibly shaken. "It''s over. Hand over the remaining artifacts, and we can end this peacefully." The opponent''s face hardened with determination. "No!" he shouted, his voice full of desperation. Ignoring Seojun''s demand, the opponent raised his arms and began chanting loudly. "Arkhazul, Dark God of Shadows! Hear my plea!" The opponent''s voice grew louder as he continued, "bless me with your power!" Dark energy swirled around the opponent, forming a thick, ominous fog. Shadows twisted and coiled in response to the invocation. Seojun tensed, feeling the shift in the air. The crowd outside, still obscured by the dust, murmured in worry. "What''s going on now?" someone asked, fear in their voice. "Someone is calling on a dark god!" another person replied, anxiety clear in their tone. The shadows around the opponent began to take on a menacing shape, and a dark, unsettling presence seeped through the barrier. Seojun moved swiftly and grabbed the opponent by the neck. As his hand tightened, a white glow began to shine from his palm. The dark shadows surrounding the opponent started to fade, disappearing like smoke in the wind. The opponent''s eyes widened with fear. "No... this can''t be!" he choked out, struggling in Seojun''s grip. "Your dark god''s power won''t save you now," Seojun said calmly. The opponent tried to speak again, his voice weak and shaky. "I... I didn''t know... you could¡ª" "Save it," Seojun cut him off, his hand glowing even brighter. "It''s over." The dark energy drained away, and the opponent''s body became normal again, his face losing the twisted look of desperation. As thest of the shadows disappeared, Seojun noticed a small, dark figure sneaking out from the opponent''s body and crawling away on the ground. Seojun quickly stepped on it, pinning it in ce. The shadow started trembling and a faint voice came from it, apologizing in a hurried whisper, "Please, forgive me! I didn''t mean to cause harm! I just wanted to stay free!" Seojun frowned, feeling something off. Suddenly, the system spoke in his mind: [Host, that is a soul that escaped the underworld.] Seojun''s expression tightened. "So, him calling the dark god was just a bluff," he muttered, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "Pathetic." Latest updates from m _vlempyr. The soul under his foot quivered more, its voice pleading. As the dust began to clear, the view inside the barrier slowly became visible. The swirling fog thinned out, revealing the scene to the audience outside. Seojun stood in the middle, his eyes fixed on the small, dark shadow squirming beneath his foot. Without hesitation, Seojun reached down, grabbing the shadowy soul and in the blink of an eye, he vanished into thin air, taking the soul with him and he appeared on the rooftop of a nearby building, overlooking the scene below. In his grasp, the small, dark wisp of a soul trembled, its form barely holding together. "Please, don''t send me back to the underworld! I didn''t mean to cause harm... I just wanted to be free!" the soul pleaded desperately, its voice shaky and weak. Seojun''s eyes narrowed, his expression cold and unforgiving. "You almost got my Uncle killed back there, all for a chance to escape?" he said. "Why should I let you go after that?" The wisp flickered at the revtion, realizing its mistake. "I¡ªI didn''t know he was your family! If I had known... I swear I wouldn''t have done it!" it cried out in panic, its voice cracking with fear. "Please, I can be of use to you! I''ll serve you! Guide you! Anything!" Seojun''s gaze was hard, his patience thin. "Why would I keep a trickster demon like you around?" he asked tly. "What use could you possibly be to me?" The wisp hesitated, but sensing its life was on the line, it spoke quickly. "I know things, Great Abyss Lord! I''ve seen realms and secrets hidden from the eyes of even the most powerful beings. I''ve wandered the underworld and know of treasures, spells, and artifacts long forgotten. I can guide you to them!" Seojun''s brow furrowed at the title it had used. "Abyss Lord?" he echoed, his voice carrying a note of confusion. "How do you know that title?" The wisp shivered, then pointed a trembling tendril toward his forehead. "It''s there... above your head. The title of the Abyss Lord," it stuttered. Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Another Problem Seojun look up and he saw it: a faint, ethereal script hovering above his head, spelling out "Abyss Lord" in a dark, otherworldlynguage. His confusion deepened. "What is this?" he muttered. "Why is it visible to you?" [Host, your title of ''Abyss Lord'' is revealed to beings aligned with darkness, especially those connected to the Abyss. The underworld is partially linked to the Abyss, allowing entities from there to recognize you by this title.] Seojun''s expression hardened.His title, "Abyss Lord," was now a beacon to dark beings, alerting them to his presence and potential power. The wisp continued trembling in his grasp, sensing his frustration. "I swear, I won''t cause trouble! I know the underworld''s paths and secrets. I can lead you to ces where even the strongest hesitate to tread!" [Host, this soul is a minor trickster demon. It has knowledge of hidden ces and can navigate dark realms, but its reliability is uncertain. Caution is advised in any dealings with it.] Seojun stared at the quivering soul in his hand, weighing his options. "I give you a chance, But know this: if you try to deceive me or go against my will, I''ll send you back to the darkest pit of the Abyss myself," he said, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. The wisp''s form steadied slightly, sensing a sliver of hope. "Yes, yes! I agree! No tricks, I swear! I just want to be useful!" it squeaked, its voice high-pitched with relief. "Then we''ll make this official," Seojun said, summoning a crimson contract scroll. The scroll floated in the air before them, glowing ominously. "You will serve me as a guide and not cause harm or deceive. If you break any part of this pact, I will send you back to where you came from¡ªor worse." The wisp nodded frantically. "I agree to all terms! Please, let me serve you, Abyss Lord!" Seojun pressed his thumb to the scroll, and it burst into mes, sealing the contract. The wisp''s form stabilized, transforming into a small, shadowy creature with glowing eyes¡ªits true form as a trickster demon named Nox. [Minor trickster demon ''Nox'' has been bound as a guide and servant. It will now follow yourmands, bound by a magical contract.] Seojun looked at Nox, now hovering nervously in the air. "You better not disappoint me,I''ll call you when i need you" he warned. [Host I think you should know this now, About the fragments in the Mystic Union, ] "What is it?" Seojun asked, [Something strange is happening in the Abyss. That''s why the fragments are here on Earth.] Seojun frowned. What do you mean? [There''s a disturbance in the Abyss. It''s causing fragments, I''ve detected fragments in other ces, like the Mystic Union. That''s why their influence is getting stronger everywhere. The Abyss is leaking into this world in small ways.] Seojun let out a heavy sigh, feeling overwhelmed. "I''ll handle itter," Seojun decided, pushing the issue aside for now. "There''s too much happening here, and I can''t leave yet." [Understood, Host,] "I need to take care of things here first." Meanwhile In the Tournament Hall, As thest of the dust settled, everyone''s attention turned to the figure lying on the ground. It was Daniel, the opponent who had been calling on dark powers just moments ago. Hey unconscious, his face no longer twisted with rage but now peaceful, almost as if he were in a deep sleep. "The barrier¡ªit''s gone," someone in the crowd pointed out as the barrier that had been hiding the fight faded awaypletely. "Look, it''s Daniel! He''s lying there... but what happened?" another person muttered, their voice filled with confusion. Alexa sprinted down and see Alex ahead, carrying Shaun in his arms. Following behind him was Seojun''s mother, her face etched with concern. "Uncle Shaun!" Alexa shouted as she neared them, her voice filled with worry. Alex looked over his shoulder, his face stern. "We''re going to the hospital," he replied, his voice strained from both the weight of Shaun and the situation. Shaun''s body hung limp in his arms, his normally lively face now pale and ck. Seojun''s mother, her eyes scanning the surroundings, suddenly asked, "Where''s Seojun? Did you see him? "He''s not back yet?!" Alexa asked and then she spotted Seojun walking toward them, his hands wet wiping off on his shirt. Read exclusives on m-vl _empyr. "Seojun!" his mother called out, relief evident in her voice. Seojun looked up, his expression shifting from confusion to mild surprise. "Mom?" he responded, his eyes darting from her to the others. "What happened?" he asked, noticing Shaun''s limp form in Alex''s arms. "Where did you go?" Alexa interjected, her tone almost usatory. "Uncle Shaun''s opponent wasn''t normal! That''s why Uncle ended up like this." She gestured toward Shaun, worry etched on her face. "We need to go now!" Seojun nodded. "Alright, let''s go." He fell in step with them as they made their way out of the area. As they walked, Seojun''s mother nced at him, her expression softening with a mix of relief and concern. "You took so long toe back," she said, her tone gentle yet probing. Seojun smiled sheepishly and scratched his head. "I think my stomach hurt because I ate a lot," he replied. Several days had passed since that tournament. Rumors of what had happened had spread like wildfire¡ª Some imed they had seen a god''s hand intervene; others insisted it was all an illusion. The truth remained hidden, buried underyers of dust and spection. As the morning sun peeked, Seojun sat in a chair beside Shaun''s bed, his arms crossed, eyes half-closed. His mother sat nearby, cutting apples into thin slices. The rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board was almost soothing. The hospital room was quiet, save for the soft beeping of the heart monitor and the asional footsteps of the nurses in the hall. Shauny in bed, his breathing steady but his face still pale. His eyes fluttered open and shut sporadically, as if caught in a restless dream. He had been in this state since the fight, unconscious but stable. The doctors had said he would wake up soon, but the wait felt endless. Seojun''s mother nced over at him, her expression both tired and watchful. "You should rest, Seojun," she said softly, cing the knife down. "You''ve been here all night." Seojun shook his head. "I''m fine, Mom. Besides, I want to be here when he wakes up." As if on cue, Shaun''s eyelids fluttered again, this time with more determination. A low groan escaped his lips, and he shifted slightly in the bed. Seojun and his mother immediately perked up, their eyes fixed on Shaun. "Uncle Shaun?" Seojun called softly, leaning forward. Chapter 129: Chapter 129: They hated me Shaun''s eyes slowly opened, blinking several times as he adjusted to the light. He looked around the room, his gaze finally settling on Seojun and his mother. For a moment, his expression was nk, as if trying to piece together where he was and what had happened. "W-where am I?" he croaked, his voice raspy and weak. "You''re in the hospital," Seojun''s mother answered gently, moving closer to his bedside. "You''ve been unconscious for a few days." Shaun''s brow furrowed, confusion clouding his face. "Thest thing I remember¡­ I was fighting someone," he murmured, struggling to recall. "There was¡­ darkness. But after that¡­ it''s all nk." Seojun exchanged a quick nce with his mother. "You were in a tough fight," he exined carefully. "You took a pretty bad hit, and it seems like you lost consciousness after that. Don''t push yourself to remember right now." Shaun''s eyes narrowed as he tried to dig deeper into his memories, but all he could see was a swirling mass of shadows and a feeling of desperation. He exhaled slowly, frustration lining his features. "I can''t remember anything clearly. It''s like¡­ there''s a fog in my head." He shifted slightly, wincing at the dull pain in his body, then looked over at his nephew. "Ah, it''s embarrassing," Shaun muttered, a weak smile forming on his lips. "For my nephew to meet me in this state." Seojun chuckled softly, leaning forward in his chair. "It''s fine, Uncle Shaun." Seoyang, Seojun''s mother, stood up quietly after Shaun had woken up, her eyes soft with understanding. "I''ll go call the doctor to check on you," she said, but Seojun knew she wanted to give them some space to talk. She gently squeezed Seojun''s shoulder as she passed and left the room, leaving the two alone. Once the door clicked shut, Shaun turned his head slightly, his expression somber. "Why aren''t you angry with me?" he asked in a low voice. Seojun leaned back in his chair, letting out a long breath. "A lot has happened, Uncle. I''ve seen and been through so much, I don''t think I can get worked up over the things that happened in the past But, Uncle¡­ I do want to know. Why did you leave us? Why didn''t you help when we needed you?" Shaun sighed heavily, his lips curving into a small, sad smile. "There are a lot of things you don''t know about our family, Seojun," he started, his voice tinged with regret. Seojun frowned, Does Uncle Shaun know about the system? Shaun''s face grew more serious as he continued. "Our bloodline¡­ it''s not like others. The women in our family have always carried a deep, unexinable hatred toward men. I didn''t understand it myself, but that''s the reason I was distant... the reason I didn''t help." "Hated men?" Could it be because of our ancestor, the woman who was vited by the king? Could her hatred have reached us, even now? Shaun sighed again, rubbing a hand over his face as if the memories pained him. "Before we moved here, we lived on Jeju Ind. It was me, your mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. They all treated me horribly. It wasn''t just neglect¡ªit was like they couldn''t stand my existence. I once asked Mom why they hated me, and all she said was ''No Reason, We just hated Men like you''... I-I just don''t understand why" At that moment, Seojun''s system chimed in. [This is probably from Lady Yuna''s hatred...] Who''s Lady Yuna? Stay with m _v _l _e _mp _y _r. [She was the first host¡­ the one vited by the king.] Seojun''s attention snapped back to Shaun as his uncle continued speaking, his voice trembling slightly. "They said they just used Men to give birth of a female. That''s why we never knew our father, and why they treated me like I didn''t matter." Seojun''s mind briefly shed to his mother. Mom isn''t like that, he thought. She''s always whispered Dad''s name with so much love, especially when she misses him¡­ Shaun''s voice broke through his thoughts. "I''m sorry, Seojun. I know I should''ve been there for you. I let their hatred affect me¡­ I let it make me bitter and weak." "It''s understandable, Uncle," Shaun''s eyes darkened with a question he seemed almost afraid to ask. "Seojun¡­ did Mom have a hard time when she was dying?" Seojun paused, remembering his grandmother''s final moments. "No, Uncle," he said quietly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Before she died, sheughed and even made a joke. I think she enjoyed herst moments." Shaun closed his eyes, whispering, "I''m d." His voice trembled slightly, but the relief was clear. After a moment, Shaun spoke again, his voice heavy with emotion. "You know, Seojun¡­ I was always jealous of you. Even though they hated men, they loved you more than they ever loved me. I''m sorry I let that jealousye between us." There was a moment of silence, Seojun don''t know how to react then Shaunughed, but it wasn''t the kind ofugh that came from joy. It was bitter, filled with regret. He shook his head slightly. "I can''t believe myself," he began, "Even though they hated me, like they wanted me to disappear, Seoyang¡ªyour mother¡ªshe gave me all the love I had been longing for from them. She was the best little sister¡­ yet I hated her." Seojun listened carefully, watching his uncle''s face as the painful memories spilled out. "Your mother almost acted like she was older than both of us, always looking out for me, always trying to make things better. If I could turn back time¡­ I''d treasure Seoyang. I''d treat her the way she deserved. I''m just d¡­ d that even after everything, she doesn''t hate me. I think¡­ the hatred toward men stopped with Mom. It didn''t affect Seoyang." Shaun''s voice softened at the end, his face full of sorrow. "She''s special, Seojun. Your mother is stronger than any of us ever were." Seojun nodded slowly, his heart heavy with the weight of his uncle''s words. "Yeah, Uncle. She really is." Seojun then leaned forward putting his hands in his shoulder. "It''s okay now, Uncle. Let''s just forget the past¡­ and focus on the present." Just then, the door to the room swung open, and Alex and Alexa hurried in along with Seoyang and the Doctor. Alexa was the first to speak, her voice filled with relief. "Uncle Shaun!" she eximed, rushing over to his bedside. Chapter 130: Chapter 130: Located one of them "You''re awake" Alex followed closely behind, "Good to see you back with us, Uncle. You had us all worried." Shaun looked between the two, his smile widening and the Doctor started what he should do. "Ah, my favorite troublemakers," he teased, his voice still weak but carrying a familiar warmth. "Last time i saw you were 5 years ago right?" "Yeah, We were more worried about you," Alexa said, her eyes brimming with emotion. "You scared us half to death! "Alex nodded in agreement. "Yeah. Next time, try not to give us all a heart attack, alright?" Shaun chuckles softly. "I''ll try my best. But you know me¡­ I can''t stay away from a good fight." His tone was light, but there was an underlying seriousness in his words. He turned his gaze back to Seojun. "Your mother''s been taking good care of me, but I suppose it''s time I start acting like a proper uncle, huh?" "You know each other?" Seojun asked and Shaunughed "I''m visiting you guys without you knowing, they are just some circumstances that made me unable to help Seoyang." Seojun nodded and Shaun asked about what happened to the tournament. "The tournament''s still going on, and everyone''s talking about the mysterious guy who took out that dark opponent." Seojun leaned closer to his mother, his voice a quiet whisper. "I''ll just go out for a bit, Mom." His mother''s eyes filled with concern as she looked at him. "Where are you going? What happened in the tournament is not yet solved, so be careful outside." Seojun gave her a reassuring smile. "I''ll be fine. Just need some fresh air." She hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Take Alex with you, hmm?" Seojun chuckled softly, nodding. "Okay, Mom." He turned and reached for Alex''s arm, surprising him as he tugged him toward the door. "Whoa¡ªSeojun?" Alex stammered, momentarily caught off guard. He looked back at his sister and Uncle Shaun, then followed Seojun out into the hallway. Once outside, Alex stopped and stared at Seojun, his brow furrowed with curiosity. "What''s going on? You dragged me out here like it''s an emergency." As they walked through the bustling streets, Seojun suddenly slowed his pace, his eyes scanning the surroundings. He stopped at a quiet corner, turning to face Alex with a serious expression. "Hey, Alex," Seojun began, his tone unusually firm. "I need you to take care of Mom for a bit. I''ve got something to do." Alex''s eyebrows furrowed in concern. "Something to do? What are you nning, Seojun?" Alex added "Look, don''t make Auntie worry." His voice softened, almost pleading. "And don''t do anything reckless. You know the video from the Sknds Dungeon is still on the inte and can''t take down. You''re lucky we able to blurred your face, and they can''t recognize you." Seojun chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. "I know, I know. No need to stress, okay?" Alex wasn''t convinced. "I''m serious, man. If anyone connects the dots, it could spell trouble for you¡ªand for us. There''s a lot of attention on that incident. People are still trying to figure out who that was." Seojun nodded. "I''ll be careful. Promise." Despite the reassurance, Alex''s worry didn''t fade. "You better be. If something happens to you, Auntie won''t forgive me." Seojun gave him a warm smile. "Nothing''s going to happen. I''ll be back soon, alright?" Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "Fine. But if you get caught up in something crazy again, don''t expect me to bail you out." He tried to sound annoyed, but there was an underlying concern in his voice. Seojun nodded, his smile still in ce. "Deal. I''ll see you soon." Seojun walked out of the hospital, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as he made his way toward a quieter part of the city. As he approached a narrow alleyway between two tall buildings. On the rooftop, Seojun focused intently on his status screen, where he noticed a icon: a map, he tapped on it revealing one of a crystal. He reached into his inventory and retrieved the crystal, which emanated a soft, enigmatic glow. It was clearly different from the usual items he was ustomed to. He crushed the crystal in his hand. As it shattered, a burst of light engulfed him, swirling around and intensifying until he waspletely obscured. In a sh, the light dissipated, and Seojun was gone. [Side Quest: Find Echidna and Typhon''s Children] - Objective: Locate and identify the children of Echidna and Typhon. - Progress: 2/6 [Teleporting to the location of one of the children.] Seojun slowly came to consciousness, lying on the ground with a throbbing headache. He sat up, cradling his head in his hands and whispered, "What happened?" As he looked around, he realized he was in a dense forest, unfamiliar and serene. "Where am I?" he wondered to himself. Suddenly, something small and cool crawled onto his hand. He grabbed it and saw a silver-scaled snake with green eyes. It looked familiar. A voice echoed in his mind. "Master! Are you okay?" Seojun''s don''t know whose voice it is but He have a friend in this appearance "Si?" The snake nodded and slithered up to his shoulder, rubbing its face against Seojun''s cheek. "Yes it''s me! Are you okay now, Master?" Seojun was stunned. "Wait a minute, you''re talking?" Si froze, suddenly panicking. ''Oh no! Dumb Si! I''m doomed! Father and Huno will probably punish me!'' "Answer me, Si," Seojun demanded, "Howe you can talk?" "I''m not really talking, Master," Si exined, its green eyes shining. "But forget about me, Master." Seojun stared at Si still trying to process the strange turn of events. "Why youe out?" Find more at m _v _l _e _mpyr. Before Si could respond, Seojun''s system chimed in with its usual mechanical tone. [Host, Si was the one who brought you back to your normal state when you lost control in the Sknds Dungeon.] "Thanks, Si your bite is so helpful" Chapter 131: Chapter 131: Located one of them(2) [Yes Host and also Since Huno cannot be with you at the moment due to his duties protecting your mother, I allowed Si to apany you. He will be yourpanion until you can return.] Seojun gave a nod. Si''s eyes brightened, and he wrapped himself around Seojun''s shoulder in a gesture offort. "I''ll do my best to help you, Master!" He opened his status screen again and navigated to the map icon. The map disyed two distinct dots: a red dot and a blue dot, thetter of which was quite distant from the red one.He pointed at the blue dot. [Host. The blue dot represents your current location, while the red dot marks the location of the child.] Seojun nodded, taking in the information. He reflected on how this side quest and the map icon had suddenly appeared yesterday. It seemed the system had introduced this new function to aid him in his quest. Dive into chapters on NovelFire|empyr. This new feature allows Seujun to locate the children by showing their positions on the map. Whenever he are near one of them, a crystal will appear. Crushing the crystal will teleport him directly to their location. Now, Seojun moved quietly through the forest, his senses alert. As he listened, he heard voices nearby¡ªloud, irritated voices. He paused, eyes narrowing, and Si, sensing his caution, slipped further under his clothes, only its small head peeking out. The bushes ahead rustled, and a group of people emerged. At the front was a man who seemed to be the leader, holding a sword and wearing a ne with a wolf''s fang. His gear was covered in wolf skin, giving him a rugged, almost feral look. His expression was harsh, eyes scanning the area like he was looking for a fight. Behind him was a girl clutching a staff nervously, A mage and another girl who looked strangely familiar to Seojun. Two men trailed behind, struggling with heavy bags that also look familiar that are porter. The man with the sword¡ªJae-hyun seeing Seojun stepped forward with a scowl. "Hey, you!" he barked, his tone already confrontational. "What are you doing here?" Seojun kept his eyes on the leader, saying nothing, .He could see the leader''s patience wearing thin, his fingers twitching on the hilt of his sword. his eyes narrowed, and he stepped closer, clearly looking for an excuse to start a fight. Just as he opened his mouth, one of the guys at the back of the group quickly moved forward, stepping between them. "Wait, Jae-hyun!" the man said, raising his hands in a cating gesture. "He''s my cousin!" Jae-hyun turned sharply to face him, disbelief etched across his face. "Are you messing with me?! You don''t even look alike" he snapped, his voice low and threatening. "N-no, really!" the man stammered, ncing nervously at Seojun. "He''s my cousin. He''s Korean, right, couz?" He put his arm around Seojun''s shoulders, leaning in close and whispering urgently, "Please cooperate with me, Master." Seojun looked at the man, trying to remember where he had seen him before. The man seemed familiar, but Seojun couldn''t quite ce him. He caught the man''s pleading look and realized he had to y along, at least for now. "Yeah," Seojun finally said, keeping his voice neutral. Jae-hyun stared at them both, clearly suspicious. He eyed Seojun up and down, as if searching for any reason to doubt the man''s im. "Why didn''t you say that earlier?" Jae-hyun growled, still unconvinced. The man beside Seojun swallowed hard. "He¡­ he''s just quiet, you know?" he exined, trying to sound casual. "It''s just his way. We should keep moving and not waste time here, right?" Jae-hyun red at him for a moment longer, then sighed and shook his head. "Fine," he muttered, though his tone was anything but friendly. He shot Seojun a dark look. "Lucky motherfucker," he spat before shoving Seojun roughly as he pushed past, stomping ahead of the group. The man sighed with relief, his shoulders rxing a little. Seojun finally turned to him, his voice low. "Who are you?" The man''s face faltered for a moment. "Don''t you remember me, Master?" he asked, looking genuinely surprised. He pointed to the other man who had been carrying the bags. "What about Jin-hyu?" Seojun''s eyes followed the direction of his finger,nding on the second man. He frowned, searching his memory. Nothing. He had no idea who this man was. Seeing the confusion on Seojun''s face, the man seemed to panic a little. "Ehh? What about Hannah?" he asked, pointing to the girl, following Jae-hyun but looking at them Seojun''s face remained nk, Before the man could say another word, Jae-hyun''s voice cut through the tense silence like a knife. "Hey!" Jae-hyun barked from up ahead, his tone full of irritation. "What''s taking so long back there? Move it, or I''ll leave you all behind!" The man beside Seojun flinched and quickly raised his hands in a cating gesture. "Coming!" he shouted back before turning back to Seojun, his voice low and urgent. "Look, we''ll talkter, okay? Just go along with it for now, Master. Please." Seojun nodded, though his mind was still spinning with questions. The man seemed to know him, seemed desperate for him to y along. Jae-hyun stomped back toward them, ring furiously. "If you three don''t get moving right now, I swear I''ll¡ª" "We''reing!" the man name Jin-hyu beside Seojun interrupted, his voice a little too eager. "Just a little misunderstanding, that''s all. We''re good now." Seojun kept his silence, watching the group move ahead. Si''s small head peeked out from inside his clothes, and he heard the snake''s voice in his mind. "y along, Master," Si whispered, sounding a bit nervous. Seojun sighed quietly. He didn''t want to make any more trouble. He picked up his pace and followed the group, his eyes scanning their surroundings. The guy who had imed to be his cousin moved closer to him again, his expression a bit anxious. Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Beast Sanctuary "I''m Min-seok, Master," the man said softly, careful to keep his voice low so Jae-hyun wouldn''t hear. "We met at the dungeon. Remember now?" Seojun''s eyes flicked over to Min-seok, searching his face. He looked at the other two ¡ª the man named Jin-hyu and the girl, Hannah. For a moment, his mind was nk. But then, like a sh of lightning, the memories returned. He finally recognized them. ''These three¡­ they were the first people I met when I came back to Earth'' Seojun nodded slightly "Yeah¡­ I remember now," he murmured under his breath, just enough for Min-seok to hear. Min-seok nced at Seojun with a faint smile. "You''ve changed a lot, Master. You''ve, uh, gained some weight," he chuckled nervously, ncing at Seojun''s more filled-out form. "By the way, you disappeared so suddenly¡­ where did you go?" Seojun looked at Min-seok more closely and noticed the young man''s clothes ¡ª torn and old, hanging off his thin frame. He seemed even thinner than Seojun remembered. Without thinking, Seojun activated his appraisal ability. Name: Min-seok Age: 19 ss: Tamer Title: N/A Rank: E Stats: Agility: C Strength: D Mana: F Stamina: D Min-seok looked thin and worn, his clothes torn and old. Seeing him like this reminded of Seojun of his own past before he gained his system. Seojun, standing at the same height as Jae-hyun, Min-seok''s weak stats. They were the kind of numbers he would have seen on himself before gaining his system. "Y-yeah, Master became more¡­ handsome," Hannah added shyly, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. "It''s just been one and a half months and you look so different." Seojun felt a strange mix of confusion and curiosity. "Why do they keep calling me ''Master''?" he wondered silently. Min-seok seemed to pick up on Seojun''s confusion. "You must be wondering why we''re here in the US, Master," he exined. "Actually, Jae-hyun was recruited by the Vortex Guild. To officially join, he needs to have a familiar." . Jin-hyu, who had been quiet until now, chimed in. "But all the familiars in Korea were avoiding Jae-hyun. It looks like they could see what a terrible master he''d be." Seojun''s gaze shifted to Jae-hyun, who was currently levitating in the air, courtesy of the mage girl, as he tried to catch an extraordinary bird with bright plumage that darted through the trees. Seojun looked around the dense, vibrant forest. "Just what is this ce?" he thought, feeling a strange energy in the air. Min-seok noticed his puzzled expression. "You seem lost, Master," he said gently. "Do you know where we are? This is one of the Beast sanctuaries of the US. It''s a ce where mythical beasts, familiars, and evolved animals live." Min-seok nced at Seojun with a resigned smile. "You probably think I''m crazy, Master." Seojun looked at him, puzzled and thought, What is he talking about now? Min-seok sighed, his expression weary. "They left me in the dungeon and didn''t help me only Jin-hyu and Hannah came back but here I am" he sighed "I have no choice, Jae-hyun offered me arge amount of money toe along, and I needed it." Seojun raised an eyebrow. "How much?" "500 gold coins," Min-seok said, with a faint smile. "It''s not a fortune, but it''s enough tost me and my sister for a week." Seojun was taken aback and thought, 500 gold coins? that''s already arge amount? Min-seok shrugged. "It''s a not much but it helps." Jin-hyu ced a reassuring hand on Min-seok''s shoulder. "It''s okay, Min-seok. Someday we''ll earn more gold coins and be top rankers. At least you''re awakened now," he said with a hopeful tone. Min-seok kicked a small stone in frustration. "But my ss is the weakest. I can''t even tame a insects because of my F-Rank Mana. There are so many sses, yet I got the weakest one," he said with a sigh. Hannah, still holding her wand, murmured, "It''s okay. Maybe you''ll experience dual awakening someday." Min-seok pouted. "You''re so lucky, Hannah. You''re a healer, but you''re still stuck following Jae-hyun." Hannah scratched her cheek, looking embarrassed. "I owe him, though. I have to repay him somehow." Seojun nced at Min-seok''s status and frowned. He saw that Min-seok''s ss was listed as "Tamer." "What do you mean, ''weakest ss''?" Seojun asked, confused. Min-seok looked surprised. "Where are you from, Master? Tamer is considered one of the weakest ss it''s not easy to tame knowing how much Mana required to be able to do that." Before Seojun could respond, Jae-hyun called out, his voice sharp. "Come on, stop chatting and get moving!" As the group started to follow Jae-hyun, Si''s voice echoed in Seojun''s mind. "Looks like your ss, Master, isn''t recognized in this realm. Humans here don''t understand the the strength of a Tamer ss." Si''s tone was a mix of amusement and frustration. "They don''t realize how powerful a tamer can be." Jae-hyun, with a determined expression, grabbed Min-seok''s bag forcefully and rummaged through it. His eyes lit up when he found what he was looking for ¡ª a small, silver whistle with strange markings on it. "Gotcha," Jae-hyun muttered with a smirk, holding the whistle up triumphantly. Min-seok''s eyes widened in shock. "Wait, Jae-hyun! Don''t¡ª" The mage girl stepped forward quickly, her face pale. "Brother! Don''t use that! We don''t know what it can do!" She reached out to grab his arm, but Jae-hyun shoved her back roughly. "Stay out of this!" Jae-hyun snapped. She stumbled, and Min-seok quickly caught her before she fell. "Are you okay, Kaeri?" Hannah asked "You''re out of your mind, Jae-hyun!" Min-seok shouted, his voice full of urgency. "You can''t control what happens next!" Jae-hyun''s face twisted with anger. "Shut up and stay back! All of you!" He raised the whistle to his lips, ignoring their pleas. Reluctantly, they moved back, hiding behind arge tree, their faces filled with fear and worry. Hannah, her voice trembling, replied, "That is a Dreadwhistle. It can call any monsters or mythical creatures within a wide area..." Min-seok''s voice was low, filled with anxiety. "We''ve seen videos of people using the Dreadwhistle to call familiars and monsters They are videos of people using it to call for monsters to level up faster and the other use it to call familliars, they were sessful getting familiars but¡­ most of them ended up injured or¡­ dead. It''s not meant to be used lightly." Jin-hyu added, whispering, "It doesn''t just call one creature. It can attract anything nearby, even the ones no one would ever want to face." Jae-hyun blew the whistle, a sharp, eerie sound that echoed through the forest like a ghostly wail. For a moment, there was only silence. Then, the ground began to tremble, and a distant, monstrous roar filled the air. The group stared in horror as the sounds of creatures approaching grew louder, and the forest seemed toe alive with movement. "We''re dead..." Min-seok whispered, terror in his eyes. Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Dreadwhistle effect [System Warning: Barrier Breach Imminent] Seojun''s system spoke [Host, Their barrier won''t make it] [The barrier is under attack. The barrier''s integrity is deteriorating due to the effects of a high-density Dust Storm triggered by the Dreadwhistle. Vision and perception arepromised. Prepare for an encounter with hostile entities.] the white hologram make Min-seok and the others terrifed. A dense fog of dust settled around them, obscuring the view beyond the barrier and casting an eerie, unnatural darkness. "Wh-What''s going on? I can''t see anything out there!" Hannah''s voice trembled as she gripped her wand tighter. Her breaths came in shallow gasps as she tried to peer through the haze. Min-seok, who was already pale, seemed to grow even paler as his eyes darted around frantically. "The barrier...Why is it shaking like this?" "Because that whistle attracted more than just a familiar" Seojun spoke calmly. "The dust cloud isced with some kind of magic ¡ª it''s jamming our perception" From within the dust, a loud scratching sound echoed, like nails on a chalkboard but deeper, more guttural. Something was dragging its ws along the barrier, creating a long, grating screech that made everyone flinch. Seojun''s senses were on high alert, trying to gauge what exactly was beyond the clouded veil. "Do you hear that?" Kaeri whispered, her eyes wide with terror. "It sounds like... something is scraping the barrier." Suddenly, arge, gnarled hand covered in scales and fur mmed against the barrier, making everyone jump. The impact rippled through the shimmering magical dome, causing cracks to spiderweb out from the point of contact. "Look! There!" Hannah pointed, her voice barely a whisper. The shadowy outline of a massive creature with multiple eyes and a wide, gaping mouth filled with jagged teeth pressed against the barrier, its hot breath fogging the invisible wall. [System Alert: Barrier Integrity at 65%...] The system''s calm yet dire warning rang in Seojun''s mind. "Not good," he muttered under his breath. "That barrier won''t hold if more of them start hitting it." Min-seok''s teeth chattered as he spoke, his voice barely holding steady. "Jae-hyun... wh-what have you done?" Jae-hyun, despite his earlier bravado, now looked visibly shaken. He held the Dreadwhistle tightly, his face pale as he watched the barrier bend and crack. "This¡­ this isn''t supposed to happen," he muttered. "It was just supposed to attract one, not¡ª" A chorus of snarls and roars erupted from all around them, cutting him off. The shadows beyond the barrier shifted and swirled, countless creatures circling like sharks sensing blood in the water. "Those aren''t just ordinary beasts," Seojun observed. "Those are mythical predators." The ground shook again as another massive figure mmed into the barrier. This one was bulkier, with tusks jutting out of its jaw, and its eyes glowed with a fierce, hungry light. It roared, saliva sttering against the weakening shield, and the barrier rippled again, more cracks appearing. "We need to move! We need to move now!" Jin-hyu shouted, panic rising in his voice. "The barrier''s not going tost!" [System Alert: Barrier Integrity at 35%...] "Thirty-five percent?!" Kaeri voice broke into a high-pitched scream. "It''s dropping too fast!" More of the shadowy attackers began to emerge. One of the creatures, with a serpentine body and six legs,shed out against the barrier with its thick, muscr tail, each blow sending more cracks through the protective dome. Si''s voice echoed in Seojun''s mind. "Master, if the barrier falls, we''ll be swarmed. It''s too risky to stay here." Seojun nodded, his thoughts racing. " [System Alert: Barrier Integrity at 10%...] A low growl resonated through the air, and a new figure appeared ¡ª a monstrous wolf with glowing red eyes. It bared its fangs, and with a deafening howl, it charged forward, mming its massive body against the barrier. A loud crack echoed, and a piece of the barrier shattered like ss. "We''re done for!" Hannah cried out, clutching her wand tightly, tears welling up in her eyes. The barrier trembled again, cracks spreading like a spiderweb across its surface. The monstrous creatures outside grew bolder, mming their bodies and ws against it. Inside, panic spread like wildfire among the group. Kaeri was on her knees, her face pale and drenched in sweat as she tried to hold the barrier together with all her strength. Her arms shook, and her breathing was ragged. "I can''t¡­ hold it much longer¡­" she whispered, tears starting to stream down her face. m-vl|emp yr your novel source "Use everything you''ve got!" Jae-hyun barked, his voice sharp and demanding. He hovered over her like a vulture. "Stop whining and keep that damn barrier up, or we''re all dead!" "But¡ª" Kaeri stammered, looking up at him with fear in her eyes. Jae-hyun ignored her plea and turned to Hannah. "You too! Buff her up! Now! Use all your spells!" he shouted, his face twisted in frustration. Hannah, trembling with fear She mumbled an incantation, her voice shaky as she tried to cast every buff she had on Yuna. Her hands shook so badly that the spells flickered and dimmed. Meanwhile, Seojun stood calm watching everything unfold. His eyes scanned the scene, assessing the situation. He could hear the barrier cracking, but his expression remained unchanged. He was used to chaos, and fear didn''t affect him like it did the others. Jae-hyun''s eyes darted around, and in a sudden move, he grabbed Jin-hyu and Min-seok by their cors, pulling them in front of him. "You two, stand here! Better you die blocking them than me!" he snarled, pushing them toward the front. A nasty smirk spread across his face as he added, "That''s all you''re good for, anyway." Jin-hyu''s eyes widened in shock. He struggled against Jae-hyun''s grip, but he was too weak. "You bastard¡­!" he muttered, fear and anger mixed in his voice. Min-seok looked like a deer caught in headlights, his legs trembling. He didn''t want to be a shield, but he had no choice. Si''s voice came, dripping with disdain. "Tsk. What an evil human, Can i eat him if he survive Master?" Another m against the barrier sent a shiver through the ground. The cracks widened, glowing with unstable energy. Kaeri cried out as the barrier flickered, her magic nearly drained. "I can''t... It''s too much!" she whimpered. Jae-hyun pushed harder against Jin-hyu and Min-seok, practically hiding behind them like a coward. "Shut up and hold it!" he snapped at Kaeri, his voice full of panic disguised as anger. "If you let it drop, you''re dead first!" Chapter 134: Chapter 134: Mother of Familiars Seojun sighed, looking at the chaos around him. His eyes fixed on Jae-hyun, who was still hiding behind Jin-hyu and Min-seok, using them as shields. Seojun took a step forward and vanished. In a blink, he appeared behind Jae-hyun. With a quick motion, Seojun struck the back of Jae-hyun''s neck. Jae-hyun''s eyes widened, and he fell to the ground, knocked out cold. Jin-hyu and Min-seok, shocked, tried to say something, but Seojun disappeared again. Before they knew it, a sharp pain hit their necks. Their eyes rolled back, and they copsed, unconscious beside Jae-hyun. Hannah, still desperately trying to cast buffs, shouted out, her voiceced with panic. "My mana¡­ It''s¡ªit''s running out¡ª!" She turned her head, searching for Jae-hyun amd the others for help but before she could look, she felt a sudden impact on her neck. Her words cut off as she too fell to the ground, unconscious. Kaeri nced around, eyes wide with terror, and her heart sank when she saw Hannah lying on the ground. "Hannah?!" she gasped, her concentration wavering as the barrier trembled again. She barely had time to react before Seojun appeared next to her. A quick hit to her neck, and she, too, fell asleep. As thest of them dropped, [System Notification: Initiating Barrier...] The moment the system''s voice cut off, Kaeri''s barrier shattered into a million shards of light, exploding outward with a deafening crash. The monstrous creatures roared in triumph, lunging forward, eager to attack now that the barrier was down. But just as their ws and teeth were about to tear through the group, they mmed against an invisible force, a powerful shockwave rippling outward and knocking them back. A new barrier appeared, shimmering with a blinding blue light. This one was far stronger, more solid, pulsating with an energy that made the air hum. Seojun stood there, calm, not even breaking a sweat. He nced at the creatures outside, watching them w and m against the barrier, unable to break through. [System Notification: Barrier Reinforced. Defensive Protocol Active.] He looked at the creatures, still trying in vain to break the barrier, and then nced at his status. Something caught his eye¡ªa sign that Echidna''s child was nearby. He muttered to himself, "At least they made this easy." Seojun reappeared on a high branch of a tall tree outside the barrier. From his spot, he looked down at the scene below. The ground was covered in thick dust, and all sorts of creatures were crowded around the barrier he had made. The barrier shimmered like a bubble, and the creatures were pressing against it, desperate to break through. He could see all kinds of mythical creatures and familiars. Some looked like they had once been cute pets¡ªsmall with soft fur or friendly eyes¡ªbut now, they were different. Their fur was bristled, fangs bared, and ws out. They were angry, their faces twisted in rage. Others were more powerful and strange, having evolved into something fiercer. powered by NovelFire|empyr They mmed against the barrier, growling, hissing, and scratching, trying to break it. Si spoke in Seojun''s mind, his voice annoyed. "Why are they so aggressive? It seems like that whistle had side effects, making them like that." "Probably," Seojun replied calmly. His eyes moved over the crowd of creatures. He knew he needed to find the child of Echidna among them, but he wasn''t sure which one it was. He opened his status and checked the map. There, he noticed a red dot hidden just behind a blue dot representing him. Suddenly, he sensed danger¡ªa sharp shift in the air. Seojun instantly teleported to another tree. Just as he vanished, a huge paw smashed into the tree he had been standing on, breaking it apart with a loud crash. The tree fell to the ground, raising a cloud of dust. From his new spot, Seojun looked at the creature that attacked. It was massive, with the body of a giant wolf¡ªFenrir¡ªwith white fur and nine long, flowing tails. It had the sleek features of a fox, but its eyes were wild with anger. It growled deeply, its sharp teeth bared, saliva dripping from its mouth. [Appraisal Activated] Name: ??? Type: Fox-Fenrir Hybrid Rank: SS Title: Mother of Familiars Status: Angry Reason: The whistle is hurting its head, causing intense pain and aggression. The creature and others are tired of hearing the Dreadwhistle''s endless noise. The hybrid creature growled, its nine tails whipping behind it like angry mes. Its fur was pure white, but its eyes were filled with fury. The noise from the whistle seemed to be driving it mad, making it w at the ground where Seojun had been standing. "It''s her Master" Si spoke, Seojun observed from his new position, staying calm and rxed. "So, this is the one," The massive Fenrir, with its white fur and nine tails, lifted its head and let out a howl so loud it reverberated through the forest. The sound cut through the chaotic noise of the creatures wing at the barrier, and for a moment, everything went still. The familiars and mythical beasts paused, turning their heads to face the Fenrir. The Fenrir howled again, its voice echoing like thunder through the trees. The creatures below seemed to be in awe, their aggressive movements halting as they listened to the powerful call. Fear and confusion shed in their eyes as the howl filled the air. Suddenly, the once-angry familiars started to retreat. They turned and began running away from the barrier, disappearing into the dense forest. The dust they kicked up as they fled made the scene look even more chaotic. Seojun watched the stampede from his perch in the tree. His gaze was steady as he observed the creatures running off into the distance. He frowned slightly, realizing the scale of what he was witnessing. "This is too many to fit in this sanctuary," he thought, scanning the area. "It looks like there''s something else going on here." The Fenrir, sensing Seojun''s presence,unched itself from the ground with an explosive burst of power. Chapter 135: Chapter 135: Nymira blinded by anger Seojun instantly teleported down to the forest floor, just as the massive tree he had been perched on was shattered by the Fenrir''s impact. The ground trembled as the creaturended heavily, creating a deep shockwave that shook the surrounding area. Seojun watched as the Fenrir stood tall, its presence dominating the scene. The creature growled deeply, its sharp teeth bared and mixed dark and red aura swirling around its body. The aura seemed to pulsate with anger, creating an unsettling glow in the dim forest light. "What a powerful sister you have, Si," Seojun remarked, his voice calm despite the tension in the air. ''She wasn''t like this, Master. Nymira was a small fox and weakest among us and the kindest, often used and manipted by the gods and goddesses. It seems she has evolved significantly. Her presence here confirms she managed to escape the hellish ce she was cast into.'' The Fenrir, Nymira, growled again, her form radiating a mixture of dark and red energy. The aura around her was thick and menacing, as though she was channeling her anger and frustration into a visible force. [The aura emitted by Nymira It reflects her intense anger and power. This indicates a deep-seated rage.] System spoke. Seojun watched as Nymira''s growls grew louder, her body shifting with the intense energy. Her anger seemed almost palpable, a force that threatened to overwhelm everything around her. He remained calm, standing his ground and assessing the situation. "Looks like we''ll have to deal with this," he muttered. Seojun''s eyes narrowed , a faint glimmer of metal caught his eye as he took a closer look. It''s a shackle. Despite its battered appearance, the shackle was still intact and firmly attached to Nymira''s foot. It seemed like it couldn''t be removed easily, a constant reminder of her imprisonment. Si''s voice came through in Seojun''s mind. ''Want me to speak to her, Master? I might be able to reach her and help calm the situation.'' Seojun considered Si''s offer. "Try it," Seojun replied. Si slowly crawled down Seojun''s body to the forest floor. His focus was entirely on Nymira as he carefully approached the Fenrir. Seojun couldn''t hear Si''s words, but it was clear Nymira was listening. For a moment, Nymira''s growls softened, showing that Si''s attempt to talk was working. Suddenly, Nymira howled loudly. Her eyes shed with rage, and she began stomping the ground aggressively. With a quick movement, she tried to stomp on Si, who immediately scrambled back to Seojun. Seojun quickly teleported to a high branch in a nearby tree, watching from above as Nymira continued to tear through the trees around her. "What happened?" Seojun asked, looking down at Si, who had joined him on the branch. Si, still shaken, spoke quickly. ''She almost hit me, Master! Nymira didn''t recognize me. She called me ''Vormund'' and said she''d kill me. I think she''s lost her mind. Her anger is overwhelming her." Seojun watched as Nymira continued her rampage, destroying trees with fierce blows. Her aggression was intense, and she seemedpletely out of control. "We need to find another way to handle this," Seojun said, observing Nymira''s destruction. "Her anger is blinding her." he added Si nodded, looking worried. ''If only I knew why she''s acting like this.'' Seojun thought. Then the system spoke in Seojun''s mind: [Host, You can use the Binding Chains to restrict Nymira and take a look at her memories. This may help understand her current state.] m|vl|e|mp|y|r article "I have that? Well let''s try that. We need to figure out what''s causing her rage and how to calm her down." Seojun spoke. [Initiating Binding Chains] From the ground, golden chains began to glow with a soft, radiant light. They slithered up from the earth, moving toward Nymira with purpose. At first, Nymira''s powerful wsshed out, breaking some of the chains with ease. Si''s voice crackled with surprise. "She can break those? Just how strong has she be? Even I couldn''t break those chains before." Seojun observed the struggle calmly. "Looks like she''s not the weakest among you anymore," he remarked. Si responded with a huff. *"Hmph. I''ll show you master After she''s back to her right mind, we''ll have a duel." Nymira continued her furious attempt to break free, her strength making the chains glow even brighter. Despite her efforts, the chains gradually tightened around her, forcing her to the ground. Her furious growls and the mming of her tail against the earth created a chaotic scene. Seojun jumped down from the branch and approached Nymira, now weakened and subdued by the chains. He sat down nearby and stared at the glowing restraints, clearly impressed. "I didn''t know I had this skill, System," Seojun said thoughtfully. "This will make things easier." The system responded, [That''s why I kept this skill hidden, Master. If you use it too often, it might hinder your growth and strength. It''s meant to be a tool for specific situations, not a crutch.] Seojun watching Nymira struggle against the golden chains. He turned his focus inward, his mindmanding the system. "Show me what else you''re hiding." The system''s response was calm and informative. [That''s the only thing i hide Host. Other skills were locked, and you didn''t notice them unlocking.] [One of your basic skills when you got the ss Abyssal Tamer] the system continued, [is ''Taming Insight.'' This skill allows you to view significant memories and emotions of a creature. It provides you with a clearer understanding of their past experiences and current state. Upgrading to Abyssal Tamer enhances this ability, allowing for moreprehensive insight and control,] Seojun nced back at Nymira, restrained and growling softly. "Oh alright," he said, "I didn''t have a chance to look at the skills I got from this ss." He focused on the golden chains holding Nymira, his curiosity piqued. "Then let''s see what this skill can reveal," he said, ready to utilize his newfound ability. The systemplied, and Seojun''s vision shifted. Chapter 136: Chapter 136: She was used Seojun closed his eyes as a blinding light engulfed the area. When the light finally dimmed, he cautiously opened his eyes and found himself in a destendscape. It was Earth, but it looked ancient and ruined. Crumbled structures and vast wastnds stretched out in every direction, the remnants of a civilization long gone. Glowing figures floated around him descending, their features and clothing obscured by a soft, radiant aura. They seemed ethereal and otherworldly, their forms shifting and blending with the surroundings. Si''s voice echoed in Seojun''s mind. "This is what Father did to Earth." Seojun nced around, taking in the devastation. "Looks like you were really powerful before, System" he said, reflecting on the scope of destruction. The system remained silent, and Seojun noticed that he was floating, as if his physical body had be a mere spirit. He drifted closer to the glowing figures. Si continued to exin. "Those glowing people are deities, gods, and goddesses." Seojun approached one of the deities, who was holding what appeared to be an Cat sized Fox with nine tails by the neck. The fox struggled weakly, its fur white and matted. [That is Nymira] System spoke and Seojun sense the change in System tone. Si said with a hint of sadnes "After Father nearly destroyed Earth, we¡ªhis children¡ªwere imprisoned by the deities when Mother were killed by them" Seojun watched the white fox, now clearly different from the Nymira he had encountered. The once fierce and powerful Fenrir now seemed subdued and vulnerable. The deity gripping Nymira''s neck opened a swirling, dark portal without hesitation. With a swift motion, it hurled her through. Seojun''s instincts red, and he immediately darted after her, slipping through the portal just before it sealed shut. On the other side, he was met with a suffocating darkness¡ªa prison-like void where the air was thick with despair. He quickly spotted Nymira, who was violently mmed against a stone wall. She let out a low, painful growl as she staggered back to her feet, transforming into arge Fox. Seojun observed her carefully. "How did she be a hybrid of a fenrir?" he wondered. Suddenly, a glitch rippled through the air, like a disjointed jump in time and no longer floating. Seojun''s senses were bombarded with distressing sounds¡ªcries and whimpers that resonated through the oppressive darkness. The sounds were unmistakablying from Nymira, and they were filled with agony. Si, hearing these sounds, seemed to tremble. "Nymira..."he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. Without waiting, Si crawled down onto the cold, damp floor of the dark hallway, his serpentine body sliding effortlessly over the grime. Seojun followed, his steps careful and quiet, his eyes scanning the dimly lit surroundings. The path led them to the end of the hall, where a thick, heavy door stood slightly ajar. Si slithered under the door, and Seojun pushed it open, stepping into a chamber where a foul stench hit him like a wall¡ªa rancid mix of blood, decay, and suffering. "Nymira," Si''s voice called out, filled with both dread and hope. Seojun followed Si''s gaze to a corner of the room, where arge cage stood covered by a grimy, silk cloth. With a deep breath, Seojun reached out and tore away the silk, revealing Nymira''s weakened form. Inside the cage, Nymiray in her human-sized Fox shape, her body frail and scarred. Her fur, once pure white, was now matted with dirt and dried blood. There were dark, deep circles under her eyes, and her body trembled with exhaustion. Her eyes, though dulled, still held a spark of defiance. Seojun noticed her hind legs were shackled with rusted iron, adding to her already broken state. Her appearance told a painful story: Nymira was being used for breeding, her body marked with bruises and patches of fur ripped away. She looked like a mere shadow of the fierce creature she once was. The cruel treatment she endured exined much of her rage and why she didn''t recognize Si. Si, looking at Nymira, hissed softly, his voice quivering. "They used her...How dare they?!" Another glitch hit, pulling Seojun''s senses forward again. His vision blurred and cleared to reveal a new scene¡ªa cold, dimly lit chamber that looked like a twistedb. Nymira was strapped to a stone table, her eyes wide with fear and fury. Her stomach was cut open, blood pooling around her, and her breathing was ragged and strained with pain. Above her, shadowy figures moved with cold precision. One of them, glowing with an eerie light, spoke in a t voice, "Let them go to Earth." Nymira''s eyes filled with horror as she watched helplessly. The figures began pulling her newborn pups from her stomach¡ªsmall, fragile creatures, crying and squirming. Without any care, they tore them away from their mother and put them in different cages. Nymira''s body shook violently, and her growls turned into a broken, painful howl that echoed through the cold stone walls. She could only watch as her children were taken away, their cries growing fainter. Time seemed to speed up, and Seojun watched years sh by, but the suffering never stopped. Nymira was constantly cut open, her body used for cruel experiments. Her children were always taken from her, their cries lingering in her mind. Each loss deepened her wounds, her anger and pain turning darker and stronger. Then one day, the gods decided to push things further. They experimented on Nymira again, changing her very nature. Her body twisted painfully as they mixed her pure Fox blood with that of a Fenrir. The transformation was agonizing. Nymira''s snow-white fur turned into a mix of Fenrir and became arge fenrir with nine tails. Her eyes glowed a fierce red, and her fangs grew sharper. But the gods made a mistake. The fusion gave Nymira incredible strength and new powers. Her long-held anger exploded with a power none of them could control. With a deafening roar, she broke free, snapping chains like twigs. She tore through her captors and theb, leaving destruction behind her. The prison that held her for so long became a ce she could finally escape from. Seojun watched all this from above, his expression darkening as he saw what Nymira had been through. "No wonder she''s so full of rage," he thought, understanding her pain and anger. She had been used and tortured for years, and now she was more powerful and angry than ever. Chapter 137: Chapter 137: Foxes are sacred Seojun blinked as another wave of light overwhelmed him. The vision of the dark prison faded away, and he felt himself pulled back, his body suddenly lighter. When his eyes opened again, he found himself standing back on the forest ground. And a notif appeared in front of him. [Insight Acquired: Nymira''s Past] Seojun stared at the message for a moment, his mind still processing the haunting memories he had witnessed. Si lowered himself to the ground, his scales brushing against the dirt. He spoke softly, almost like he was thinking aloud. "Master, the name ''Vormund'' that Nymira mentioned is probably that god" The system''s voice suddenly spoke up in his mind. [Vormund is a dark god known for chaos, darkness, and causing trouble. Vormund has a peculiar hobby: creating chimeras. Other gods avoid trouble with the dark gods] The system continued, [Nymira was originally under God Gyu, One of Light Gods and God Vormund be interested in our children and To avoid a war with the dark gods that might destroy different Realms including Earth, God Gyu allowed Vormund to take Nymira thinking it was better than starting a full conflict.] Seojun frowned. "So, Nymira got caught up in their ns... just passed around like she didn''t matter. System, Why is he so engrossed to Nymira?" [Foxes are considered sacred and possess a unique ability: they can manipte all kinds of elements. Each of their tails embodies a different elemental power and Nymira, the only fox with nine tails. That must be the reason he got interest to her.] Si looked up, his eyes filled with frustration. ''That''s why she''s so angry, Master. She was betrayed and used by the gods. Now she sees everyone as an enemy'' Seojun sat calmly in front of Nymira, who was chained to the ground by glowing golden chains. The chains glowed softly, their light casting an eerie but gentle glow around the area. Nymira''srge, powerful form was held down by the chains, her eyes filled with both anger and despair. She growled softly as Seojun approached, clearly distressed by her situation. He raised his hand slowly, trying to reach out to her. Nymira''s eyes narrowed, and she growled louder, showing her sharp teeth in warning. "I''m here to help," Seojun said gently, his voice soothing and calm. "I know you''re in pain and angry, but I''m not here to hurt you." Nymira''s growl turned into a snarl as she struggled against the chains. Seojun could see the frustration and helplessness in her eyes. He took a deep breath, maintaining hisposure. He extended his hand towards her, and despite her growling he allowed her to bite his hand. The pain was sharp, but Seojun didn''t flinch. He looked directly into her eyes. "I understand you''re scared and frustrated but hurting me won''t change your situation. I want to help you." As Seojun sat in front of Nymira, a notification appeared. [Activating Skill: Serene Presence] The skill created a soft, calming aura around Seojun. This aura slowly reached Nymira, and she began to calm down. Her growling lessened, and her body rxed a bit, though she still looked wary. The glowing chains binding her seemed to pulse gently with the calming energy. Nymira''s grip on his hand tightened momentarily, then loosened. Her growls softened, and her eyes showed a flicker of hesitation. Seojun gently pulled his hand back, showing her that he was still calm despite the bite. "You don''t have to trust me right away But if you let me help, we can work together. We can fix this." Nymira''s breathing slowed slightly as she stared at him, her anger giving way to a troubled look. Seojun sat quietly, waiting for her to make a decision. The glowing chains held her firmly, but Seojun hoped that his calm presence and sincere offer would help bridge the gap between them. Nymira suddenly spoke, her voice trembling, "Why should I trust you?" Si, now grown to a sizerger than Seojun, spoke firmly. "Even I was saved by Master. You can trust him, Nymira." As Si spoke, Nymira''s size began to shrink, and she transformed into a small, white cat. The golden chains around her disappeared. With a faint voice, she asked, "B-brother Hydra?" Si, now a small creature, crawled to Nymira and said, "Rest for a while, Nymira. All your suffering has ended. Master and I will help you." Seojun''s heart ached as he watched Nymira''s tears fall and her eyes slowly close. He recalled how before he became entangled with the system, he had dreamed of bing a vet doctor. His love for animals had been a guiding force in his life, but his financial struggles had made that dream seem unreachable. The system had changed everything for him. Now, holding the small, exhausted Nymira in his arms, Seojun resolved to help her fully. He thought, "I know what I need to do next once we return to Korea." Meanwhile, Seoyang, Seojun''s mother, paced anxiously back and forth in the living room. She bit her nails and sat on the sofa only to stand up again momentster. Her worry was clear as she nced at the clock; it was already 10 PM. Alexa approached her and gently guided her to sit on the sofa. "Calm down, Auntie," she said, while Huno, who was standing by the door, whimpering anxiously, added to the tension in the room. Seoyang jumped up and resumed her pacing. "I''m just so worried. Seojun hasn''te back yet. What if something happened to him?" Noticing Huno''s whimpering making things worse, Alexa scolded gently, "Huno! Stop it, you''re making Auntie more anxious." Alexa then helped Seoyang back onto the sofa and they sit down. Shaun sitting beside Alexa added with a reassuring smile, "Rx, Seojun is a adult. He can handle himself." Seojun finally walked through the door, his presence immediately catching everyone''s attention. Seoyang, who had been anxiously pacing earlier, rushed to him with tears in her eyes. "Seojun!" she cried out, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "I was so worried! Where have you been? It''s sote." Seojun, surprised gently patted her back. "I''m okay, Mom. I just had to handle some things. I''m sorry for making you worry." Alexa and Shaun watched with relief as Seojun reassured his mother. Huno, now calm, wagged his tail and approached Seojun, giving him a gentle nuzzle. Seoyang looked up at her son, her eyes still filled with concern. "You''re really okay, right? Nothing happened to you?" Seojun smiled softly, his hand brushing away a stray tear from Seoyang''s cheek. "I''m fine, Mom. Just needed to take care of a few things. Everything''s alright now." With a sigh of relief, Seoyang nodded and finally let go of Seojun. Seojun looked at his mother with a thoughtful expression. "When are we going back to Korea?" Seoyang tilted her head, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. "Don''t you want to live here, Seojun?" Chapter 138: Chapter 138:New Goal Seojun looked at his mother with a nostalgic smile. "I want to go back to our house, Mom. It''s where I grew up and it holds so many memories. It''s important to us." Seoyang''s eyes glistened with tears as she smiled warmly. "If that''s what you want son, let''s go back there. We''ll make it our home again." Alex turned to Seojun and asked, "What about tomorrow?" Seojun nced at Shaun and said, "Great, Wannae with us, Uncle?" Shaun smiled and replied, "I''ll juste for a vacation. I missed Korea too." Seoyang then said, "Just wait a minute; I''ll prepare my things." She left the room, and Seojun watched as she took out her phone and dialed a number. He chose to ignore it and headed to his room. Min-seok woke up with a groan, rubbing his neck and looking around. It was nighttime now, and he could see Jin-hyu, Hannah, Kaeri, and even Jae-hyun all unconscious on the ground. He couldn''t find Seojun anywhere. "What happened? He disappeared again?" Min-seok muttered, bewildered. Jin-hyu slowly stirred and groaned, "We''re alive?!" "Ugh, my neck hurts," Hannahined as she woke up. Min-seok sighed, thinking, ''We didn''t even get a chance to know his name properly.'' Suddenly Minseok grab something and when he look at it, it was a pouch. He open it and shock to see a gold coins. "Where did you get that? Wait," Hannah counted taking minutes and her eyes widened "10,000 gold coins! This is too much! Hide it before Jae-hyun woke up!" "Where did you get this?" Jin-hyu asked as they give it to Min-seok and he hide it. "I don''t know wait there''s a letter" Min-seok pick up a paper in the ground which written ''Split it up for 4 of you''. "It''s from Master! Four then Me, Min-seok ,jin-hyu and..." "It''s kaeri, Just how did Master get thisrge money?" Min-seok muttered and they all shrug Suddenly, people descended from the sky and approached them. Kaeri muttered, "It''s the dungeon authorities." One of the authorities said sharply, "What are you doing here?! Time in the Beast Sanctuary is over!" They apologized and asked, "Do you know why the Mother of Familiars is missing?" Min-seok and the others exchanged puzzled looks and replied, "We don''t know." "Why? What happened?" Hannah asked. "You don''t need to know. Get up and get out of here," the authority responded brusquely. They then walked away, continuing their conversation. "She should be in her cave, but now she''s gone. The beasts are getting out of control, What about the Beast doctor? where are they?" one of them said. As they heard this, Jin-hyu and Min-seok exchanged worried nces. "Could it be that Master..." In the next day... The morning sun warmed the air as Seojun and his mother, Seoyang, stood before their old family home in Seoul, Korea. The house was built in a traditional Korean style, with its curved, tiled roof and strong wooden beams. A high wooden wall and gate surrounded the property, providing privacy from the outside world. The wide backyard stretched out behind the house, with space for flowers, trees, and memories. Seojun had been here before, but this time it felt different. He was back with his mother, and he could see the changes. The old parts of the house that had once been worn and faded were now fixed and refreshed. The wooden beams looked solid, the paint was fresh, and the windows were clean and clear. Seoyang took a deep breath, her eyes filled with nostalgia. "It feels differenting back here with you," she said softly. "It brings back so many memories." Seojun nodded, his eyes moving over the familiar features¡ªthe stone path leading to the door, the ginkgo tree he used to climb in the wide backyard, and the quiet corners where he once yed. "Yeah, it does feel different. It feels more like home now that you''re here Mom." They walked inside, and Seojun felt the difference immediately. The house had always been simple; there had never been many things inside because they were poor. The rooms were mostly empty, with just a few basic pieces of furniture¡ªan old wooden table, a few chairs, and thin mats for sleeping. But now there were some new additions. Alex stood nearby, smiling as he took down the "Sold" sign from the gate. "We cleaned up and repaired some of the old parts," he said with pride. "And I thought you might need a few things, so I added some new appliances¡ªjust the basics. A fridge, a stove, and a washing machine. Nothing fancy but it should help." Seojun turned to Alex, his smile grateful. "Thanks, Alex. That means a lot. You didn''t have to do all this." Alex shrugged, still smiling. "I wanted to. You and Auntie deserve afortable home." Seoyang looked at Alex with a warm expression. "Thank you so much, Alex. You''ve always been like a second son to me." Alex chuckled. "I''m happy to help, Auntie. This ce means a lot to me too." Seojun walked up to the gate and pushed it open, the wood creaking softly. Stepping into the courtyard, he felt a sense of peace. The house looked the same, but with the new touches, it felt more weing. The familiar rooms with their wooden floors and sliding paper doors were bright with morning light, and now, there were a few modern conveniences that made the space feel more livable. Alex leaned against the doorframe, looking out at the garden. "You two should check out the backyard. We fixed up the flower beds, and the garden is blooming nicely now." Seoyang''s eyes lit up. "I''d love to see it. The garden was always my favorite part." As they explored the house together, Seojun felt a deep sense offort. It was the same house he had returned to before, but now, with his mother beside him, the old parts fixed, and some new additions from Alex, it truly felt like home again¡ªa ce full of love, memories, and warmth. Seojun took a deep breath and smiled. "It''s really good to be back." The afternoon sun poured its golden light into the living room, casting a warm glow over the space. Seoyang satfortably on a cushioned bench near the window, her eyes wandering over the garden. The breeze rustled the leaves outside, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers into the house. Seojun approached her from behind, holding a woodenb. He started to gently work through her hair, his touch tender and careful. "I''ve really missed this, Mom," he said quietly. "I want to spend time with you and make up for the five years I was away. I want us to live peacefully together." "You don''t have to worry about money this time, Mom," Seojun and Seoyang respond with a softugh. "I''m fine." Seojun shook his head, a reassuring smile on his face. "No, Mom. I want to make sure you don''t have to think about any financial worries. I''m going to take care of everything. I''ll buy anything you need and make sure you have everything you didn''t have before." Seoyangughed lightly, touched by his words. "You''re always so thoughtful, Seojun. But really, it''s okay. I''mfortable." Seojun''s smile widened, but his expression turned serious. "There''s something else I want to do, too. I''m nning to get a vet doctor license." Seoyang''s eyes widened with surprise. "Just a license? Didn''t you always dream of bing a vet doctor and having your own hospital?" Seojun continued tob her hair, his movements gentle and steady. "Yes, I did have those dreams. But for now, getting the license is enough. My main priority right now is to be here with you, Mom. I want us to enjoy our time together and make up for the lost years." As Seojun continuedbing his mother''s hair, Alex walked into the room. "Hey, Seojun," Alex said, catching their attention. "I heard what you were nning. You don''t need to worry too much about the vet license right now." Seojun looked up, surprised. "Why''s that?" Alex stepped closer and exined, "There are new rules and changes in the vet profession that make it moreplicated. But I can help you with that." Seojun smiled with relief. "Thanks, Alex. I was nning to start in about a week, once we''re settled." Alex nodded. "That''s fine. Just call me when you''re ready and I''ll help you out." Seoyang smiled at them both. "It''s great to have friends who help out." Seojun agreed. "Definitely. I''m lucky to have you, Alex. I''ll reach out when I''m ready." Alex smiled back. "No problem. Enjoy your time with your mom. We''ll sort out the rest when you''re ready." With that, Alex gave a friendly nod and left the room. Seojun and Seoyang continued to enjoy their peaceful moment, feeling reassured about the future. Chapter 139: Chapter 139: The Arrival Seojun and his mother, Seoyang, had been spending their days exploring the local mall and strolling through the park. Their time together was filled with simple joys and thefort of routine. Seojun felt as though the world had paused, offering them a peaceful life. Meanwhile, The Atmosphere at Seoul''s Incheon International Airport was electric. Reporters, photographers, and curious onlookers had gathered in droves at the arrivals gate, all eyes fixed on the sleek private jet that had justnded. The Mystic Union, a guild renowned for its unparalleled expertise in crafting, enhancing, and creating artifacts, weapons, and gear, was making headlines with its new branch opening in Korea. "Can you believe this?" one said to a colleague, "Jonathan Hamilton himself ising here!"Another reporter, holding a microphone and a notepad, added, Excitement rippled through the crowd as the jet''s door opened. Jonathan Hamilton stepped out, his striking white hair and blue eyes making him stand out among the sea of faces also known for his legendary skill ''God''s Hammer'' not only that he is also the Top 8 Ranker of US. He was apanied by his three children: Nathan and Elshienne, who both had ck hair and blue eyes, and a young child with white hair, who clutched a shark plushie tightly. The crowd surged forward cameras shing A leading news anchor, eager to make the most of the moment, approached Jonathan with a microphone. "Mr. Hamilton, wee to Korea! Why the Mystic Union has decided to establish a branch here?" Jonathan''s smile was warm and weing. "We see immense potential in Korea''s market. The craftsmanship and innovation here are unparalleled, and we believe this expansion will allow us to both contribute to and benefit from the local industry." Another reporter, eager for more details, asked, "There are rumors that you and your family will be staying here for an extended period. Can you confirm this, and if so, what is the reason for such a long-termmitment?" Jonathan nodded. "Yes, we n to stay for a while. Our goal is to immerse ourselves in themunity and better understand the local market, which we believe will greatly benefit both us and the local industry." The buzz intensified with the next question. "We''ve heard spection about a particr Korean woman who might be influencing your decision to relocate. Can you tell us more about her?" Jonathan''s response remained poised. "Our primary focus is on the expansion and the exciting possibilities it brings. While personal matters are private, I assure you that our main priority is to build strong, meaningful connections and contribute positively to the industry here." As Jonathan and his children were guided through the bustling airport, the media frenzy continued unabated. The arrival of the Mystic Union''s top leader and his family signaled a new chapter for Korea''s craft and technology sectors. The excitement at Incheon International Airport was palpable as the Mystic Union''s arrival was met with a huge crowd. Oh Tae-hyun, known as the Zeus Chosen One and Korea''s top 1 ranker, arrived with his guild, Olympian Reign. His presence alone was impressive, and the reporters quickly surrounded him. The main news anchor, speaking with enthusiasm, announced, "Today, we''re seeing something special! Korea''s top ranker, Oh Tae-hyun, is here to wee Jonathan Hamilton and the Mystic Union!" Another reporter added, "This is amazing! And wait, there''s more¡ªlooks like we''re in for another surprise!" Reporters eagerly pressed for more details. "Mr. Tae-hyun, what does it mean for you to be here today?" one reporter asked. Tae-hyun''s response was thoughtful. "It''s a privilege to be part of this historic event. The Mystic Union''s arrival is a testament to Korea''s growing influence and potential in the global adventuringmunity." Just as Tae-hyun was answering questions, a new excitement arose. From a nearby helicopter, figures jumped down to the ground. The crowd went wild as Kang Dae-won, the Titan of Wrath and the second top ranker,nded. His arrival was dramatic and impressive, adding even more excitement to the event. The news anchor quickly informed the crowd, "We have a major update! Kang Dae-won, the Titan of Wrath, has arrived! This is huge!" Another reporter, excited, said, "Having Guildmaster Kang Dae-won here, especially with his title, makes this event even more special. It''s rare to see such top rankers together!" The reporters rushed to interview Dae-won. "Mr. Dae-won, why are you here today?" one asked. Kang Dae-won, with his strong presence, replied, "I''m here to support the Mystic Union''s new expansion." The media buzzed with excitement. "This is incredible," one reporter said. "To see both Oh Tae-hyun and Kang Dae-won here highlights how important the Mystic Union''s arrival is for Korea!" As Tae-hyun and Dae-won met with Jonathan Hamilton and his family, the airport was filled with anticipation. The presence of these top rankers made it clear how significant the Mystic Union''s expansion was for the future of adventuring and crafting. As the excitement at Incheon International Airport grew, Jonathan Hamilton''s children, Nathan and Elshienne, watched the scene with curiosity. They stood a bit apart from the crowd, observing their father''s interactions with the reporters and top rankers. Elshienne looked at the bustling crowd andmented with a smirk, "Look at them, so eager to get Dad''s attention. They just want to use his skills." Nathan chuckled and replied, "Well, it makes sense. Dad''s known for making legendary weapons and artifacts. Everyone wants to be close to that kind of power and influence." Elshienne rolled her eyes and said, "Exactly. They know that getting something crafted by Dad could mean a huge boost for them." "Because Daddy skills is so cool that they want his attention," Jonathan carried his younger daughter and smiled. As the excitement at Incheon International Airport continued to build, a sleek limousine arrived, drawing the crowd''s attention. The doors of the limousine opened, and an elderly man with an impressive presence stepped out. The crowd gasped as they recognized him: it was Alexander von Ford, the chairman of the Awakeners Association. The buzz among the reporters was immediate and intense. "Is that Alexander von Ford?!The chairman of the Awakeners Association!" Another reporter, trying to contain their shock, added, "I can''t believe it! Alexander von Ford is here at the same time as Jonathan Hamilton. What could this mean?" A third reporter, their voice filled with excitement, said, "I''ve heard rumors about a connection between Mr. Jonathan and Mr. Alexander, but seeing them together like this is something else!" As Alexander was assisted by his grandchildren, Alex and Alexa, the reporters continued to specte. "This is incredible," one said. "Could there be a special coboration or announcement?" As Alexander von Ford and his grandchildren, Alex and Alexa, made their way through the airport, the reporters'' attention shifted entirely to them. The crowd of journalists, still buzzing from the surprise arrival, swarmed around Alexander, their questionsing rapid-fire. "Mr. von Ford! Why are you here today?" one reporter shouted, pushing forward with a microphone. Another reporter, trying to get closer, asked, "What is your rtionship with Jonathan Hamilton? Is there a special announcement?" The questions came thick and fast as Alexander and his grandchildren approached Jonathan Hamilton. The reporters seemed oblivious to the presence of Oh Tae-hyun and Kang Dae-won, who had be almost invisible amidst the overwhelming focus on Alexander. Chapter 140: Chapter 140: The Arrival(2) As the reporters continued to buzz around them, Alexander von Ford and Jonathan Hamilton finally had a moment to themselves. The two old friends greeted each other warmly. Jonathan extended his hand, and Alexander grasped it firmly. "Jonathan, it''s good to see you again," Alexander said with a genuine smile. "Alexander, it''s been so long," Jonathan replied, his tone filled with warmth. "I''m d you make it." Nearby, Nathan and Elshienne, Jonathan''s older children, spotted Alexa and approached her with friendly smiles. "Hi, Alexa!" Nathan called out. "It''s great to see you here." Elshienne added with a smile, "Noona, how are you?" Alexa smiled back and greeted them warmly, "Hi, Nathan, Elshienne. It''s nice to see you both." Meanwhile, Alex, Jonathan''s youngest daughter, stood by, clutching a plush shark. Alex approached her with a fond smile and said, "You look so cute today, Ms. Ahye." Ahye, the four-year-old, looked up and nodded with a shy but bright smile. As Jonathan and Alexander continued their conversation, Jonathan asked, "So, Alexander, how have you been? It''s been a while since west met." Alexander chuckled and replied, "I''ve been well, thank you. It''s good to catch up. I must say, I''ve been hearing great things about yourtest items." Jonathan''s eyes lit up. "I''m d to hear that. How have you liked the items we''ve sent you?" Alexander nodded appreciatively. "They''ve been exceptional. Your craftsmanship continues to impress. The quality and innovation are just as impressive as ever." Jonathan beamed with pride. "Thank you. It''s always a pleasure to hear that our work is appreciated. We''ve been working hard to push the boundaries of what''s possible." As Jonathan Hamilton and Alexander von Ford shared their heartfelt reunion, the crowd of reporters surged with renewed vigor, their curiosity and excitement barely contained. The frenzy was palpable, as journalists elbowed each other, determined to snag the best angle for their stories. One persistent reporter managed to inch closer and called out, "Mr. Hamilton, Mr. von Ford, can you shed some light on how you two know each other? How long has this friendship been going on?" Another reporter, catching the vibe of the moment, chimed in with, "Is there a special project or coboration in the pipeline between the two of you?" Jonathan and Alexander exchanged a knowing smile, their camaraderie evident in their shared amusement. Alexander took the lead, his tone light and friendly. "Oh, we''ve been pals since we were knee-high to a grasshopper. Our families go way back, so we''ve had each other''s backs through thick and thin." Jonathan, with a chuckle, added, "Absolutely. From ygrounds to boardrooms, we''ve navigated it all together. It''s like having a lifelong wingman¡ªalways there, always supportive." The reporters, momentarily caught off guard by the easygoing banter. Kang Dae-won stood at the edge of the bustling crowd, a wide grin stered on his face as he watched Tae-hyun. Hisughter bubbled up, an unmistakable sound of amusement that caught the attention of Tae-hyun. Tae-hyun, standing nearby with an air of gravity, fixed his gaze on Dae-won. "Why are youughing?" he asked, his voice carrying a tone of serious inquiry. Dae-won''sughter continued, even as he tried to stifle it. "Oh, Tae-hyun," he said, still chuckling, "you should see yourself right now. It''s like watching a cat try to act nonchnt while a mouse runs by." Tae-hyun''s brow furrowed slightly. "And what''s that supposed to mean?" "Well," Dae-won said with a smirk, "it seems you''re a little green with envy. Not all attention is focused on you, Tae-hyun. You''re not the only star of the show, you know." Dae-won pped him on the back with a heartyugh seeing Tae-hyun frowned. "Oh,e on! Lighten up. A little humor goes a long way. Besides, if you can''t handle the spotlight being shared, how are you going to handle it when it''s my turn?" After the yful jabs from Dae-won, Oh Tae-hyun''s silence grew more pronounced. His expression was unreadable, his eyes narrowing slightly as he processed Dae-won''s words. Dae-won, clearly enjoying the shift in dynamics, couldn''t resist onest nudge. "You know, Tae-hyun, if you keep brooding like that, people might think you''re auditioning for a role in a tragedy." Tae-hyun''s eyes flickered with irritation, but he said nothing, his silence louder than any retort he might have offered. The tension between them was palpable, a clear reminder of their long-standing rivalry. Dae-won''s grin didn''t waver as he continued, "I mean, if you can''t handle a little teasing, maybe you''re not cut out for the spotlight. Or maybe you''re just jealous that not all eyes are on you." Tae-hyun''s jaw tightened. He gave a curt nod, the gesture more of a dismissal than an acknowledgment. "I have other matters to attend to," he said, his voice clipped and devoid of its usual warmth. Without another word, Tae-hyun turned sharply on his heel and walked toward his guild members, who had been watching from a distance. His departure was swift and resolute, leaving no room for further conversation. Dae-won watched him go, his smirk fading as he observed the shift in Tae-hyun''s demeanor. "Well, that''s one way to clear a room," he muttered under his breath. As the event wound down, the Hamiltons and Alexander''s family made their way to their waiting limousine. Outside, the air was electric with the buzz of reporters eager for onest scoop. Kang Dae-won, having had his fill of the evening''s drama, gave a loud, heartyugh as he turned to his right-hand man. "let''s get out of here! I''ve had enough of the spotlight" His RIght hand and other members followed, chuckling at Dae-won''s energetic demeanor. "Where are we headed next?" Dae-won''s eyes gleamed with excitement. "How about a dungeon raid? Nothing like a bit of adventure to shake things up! And we''ve got some members who could use a little more training. It''s time to get them into shape!" His right hand grinned. "Sounds like a st. I''m sure they''ll appreciate the chance to toughen up." As the limousine doors closed behind Jonathan Hamilton and his family, the vehicle began to glide away from the crowd. Inside, Jonathan and Alexander''s families were visibly relieved to escape the relentless barrage of questions from the press. Outside, the reporters pressed in, shouting questions as the car slowly moved forward. "Mr. Hamilton! Anyments on the rumors about the rumors of Korean woman you''re interested in?" one reporter called out, his voice barely audible over themotion. Jonathan and his family exchanged amused nces but chose to remain silent, their expressions carefully neutral. The tinted windows of the limousine provided a barrier against the persistent questions and shing cameras. The limousine glided smoothly through the illuminated streets of Seoul, Inside, Jonathan Hamilton and Alexander von Ford engaged in a lively conversation about their uing ns. Jonathan broke the silence with a bright idea. "You know, instead of heading home right away, why don''t we explore one of those dungeons rumored to have rare cores." Alexander''s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "That''s perfect timing! Our guild is actually preparing to explore a new dungeon that appeared." Jonathan''s face lit up with interest and look at Alex and Alexa "Great! I''d love to join you. By the way, I heard that the curse affecting you and Alexa has been lifted. Is that true?" Alexa, sitting next to Jonathan, nodded. "Yes, it''s true. The curse was lifted thanks to the luminite crystal we found. It broke the curse and allowed us to return to normal." Jonathan''s eyes widened in astonishment. "The luminite crystal? That''s extraordinary! Those crystals are incredibly rare and highly sought after. Their ability to break curses is legendary. It''s not just a powerful artifact but also a tremendous find." Alexander nodded, matching Jonathan''s awe. "Absolutely. We were fortunate to acquire it." Jonathan leaned in, clearly impressed. "You''ve got your hands on a real gem. The luminite crystal is rare and valuable, known for its extraordinary properties." Chapter 141: Chapter 141: The Abyss Dungeon As the limousine came to a halt, the cityscape of Seoul gradually faded into the distance, giving way to the rugged terrain surrounding the entrance of the new dungeon. The towering stone archway loomed ahead, promising both danger and adventure. They stepped out of the car, their excitement palpable. Alexander gestured towards the dungeon entrance with a grin. "Here we are! I think you''re in for quite a challenge. You''ll be apanied by Alexa and Alex. They''re more than capable and will make sure you''re well-guided." Jonathan chuckled, ncing over at Alexa and Alex. "Sounds like a n. I appreciate the assistance. Just don''t be too tough on me¡ªI''m here for the adventure, not to be a hero." Alex, with a yful smirk, replied, "Don''t worry, Mr. Jonathan. We''ll try not to get you killed too quickly." Alexander, taking charge, added with a wink, "And while you''re busy being guided through the dungeon, I''ll take care of your children. Consider it my way of keeping them out of trouble." Jonathan raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh, you think you can handle them? I''ll have to hear about your babysitting skills after this. Just don''t let them turn the ce upside down." Alexander chuckled. "I promise I''ll keep them entertained. And if they end up turning the ce upside down, well, it''ll be a good story forter." Alexa joined in,ughing. "We''ll make sure Mr. Jonathan''s adventure goes smoothly. " Jonathan gave a mock-serious nod. "Alright then. I''m ready for whatever you throw at me. And if Alexander''s babysitting skills fail, I''ll expect a full report when we''re done." As Jonathan, Alexa, and Alex approached the entrance of the new dungeon, they were met by a group of individuals stationed outside, their presence signaling readiness and anticipation for the adventure ahead. Alexa began the introductions with a wave of her hand. "Everyone, I''d like you to meet Jonathan Hamilton. He''s joining us for this exploration. Mr. Jonathan, this is the Vortex our Guild, who will be assisting us." The members of the Vortex Guild offered respectful bows in greeting. "Wee, Mr. Hamilton," they said in unison, their tones warm and weing. Among them, a new face stepped forward, a man with an exuberant personality and a broad smile. He extended his hand towards Jonathan. "I''m Jae-hyun, sir. It''s a real pleasure to meet you! Wee to Korea." Jonathan shook Jae-hyun''s hand, his smile widening at the enthusiastic greeting. "Thank you, Jae-hyun. It''s great to meet you as well." Alexa, sensing Jae-hyun''s over-familiarity, gently nudged him aside with a polite but firm gesture. "Jae-hyun, let''s maintain a bit of distance, shall we?" Jae-hyun took a step back with a sheepish grin, while Alexa shifted the conversation. "So, who will be our porter for this expedition?" Jae-hyun, eager to show off his guild''s resources, grabbed two individuals from the back of the group. With a broad smile, he introduced them. "This is Jin-hyu and Min-seok, My friends Mam, They''re fantastic at what they do." Jin-hyu offered a nod of acknowledgment. "It''s an honor to meet you, Mr. Hamilton." Min-seok, a slightly nervous but friendly figure, added, "We''re ready to assist in any way we can." And other porter are introduced. Jonathan took in the introductions with a nod, clearly impressed. "Thank you all for the warm wee. I''m looking forward to seeing what this dungeon has in store for us." With the introductionsplete, the group began to move towards the dungeon entrance. The group stepped through the heavy stone archway and into the shadowy interior of the dungeon. The dim light from their torches flickered across ancient walls, casting eerie shadows. As they advanced deeper into the dungeon, a notification from the system shed briefly in their vision. [System Notification] Dungeon Name: Glimmering Abyss Rank: D Description: A newly discovered Rank D dungeon known for its rich mineral deposits and luminescent flora. Enhanced probability of finding rare cores and unique crystals. Features: - High Chance of Rare Resources - Low to Medium Difficulty - Potential for Hidden Artifacts Current Status: - Monsters: Low-level creatures - Resources: Rare cores and crystals Jonathan nced at the notification, curiosity evident in his expression. "''Abyss''¡ªthat''s not a term Ie across often. It''s intriguing." Alexa nodded, sharing his interest. "I haven''t seen it used in dungeon names before either As the group moved deeper into the Glimmering Abyss, they came across a strange creature. It was a worm-like being, about the size of a domestic cat, with a white, segmented body that glowed faintly in the dim light. A holographic status appeared above it: Name: Wyrm Rank: E Description: A worm-like creature. Generally not aggressive unless provoked. Behavior: -Default State: Passive - Combat State:Attacks when provoked Jonathan and the others looked at the creature, noting its low rank and passive nature. Alex spoke up, "Let''s avoid it. We don''t know what it can do if it gets aggressive." But Jae-hyun, always eager for a challenge, unsheathed his sword and said, "Rank E? That''s nothing to worry about! I''ll take care of it!" Before anyone could stop him, Jae-hyun charged at the wyrm and struck it with his sword. The wyrm hissed angrily and lunged at Jae-hyun, changing from passive to aggressive. "Jae-hyun, wait!" Alexa called out, but it was toote. The rest of the group quickly joined the fight to help. Although the wyrm was a low rank, its sudden aggression made it tricky to handle in the narrow space. Jonathan, watching the fight unfold, encouraged the team from the sidelines. "Looks like Jae-hyun''s diving in headfirst. Let''s help him out and wrap this up fast!" With teamwork and quick strikes, the group defeated the wyrm. It copsed after a few more hits, and the fight was over. Alex shook his head with a smile. "Next time, let''s avoid unnecessary fights until we know more about what we''re dealing with." With the wyrm defeated, the team continued their exploration, As the team advanced further into the dungeon, they rounded a corner and found themselves in a vast, cavernous chamber. The room was bathed in a soft, shimmering light, emanating from numerous crystals embedded in the walls and floor. Jae-hyun, still pumped from the previous fight, pointed excitedly. "Look at that!" Jonathan''s eyes widened as he took in the sight. Scattered throughout the chamber were clusters ofrge, brilliant crystals, their hues ranging from deep blues to bright purples. They glistened with an otherworldly glow. "Wow! What are those?" some asked. Alex examined the crystals closely. "They''re Ebonite Crystals. I''ve heard about them, but seeing so many in one ce is unprecedented." Jonathan, clearly impressed, nodded in agreement. "These are incredibly rare. Finding this many is extraordinary. Ebonite Crystals are essential for crafting high-level potions and legendary items." Jonathan added his excitement grew. "A small amount of these crystals can be used to create something legendary. We could be looking at a major breakthrough for our gear and enhancements." The team carefully moved further into the chamber, their eyes scanning the Ebonite Crystals with a mix of wonder and excitement. The sheer number of Ebonite Crystals in the chamber was astonishing, and their potential for crafting and potion-making was immense. Jonathan said, "We''ve really struck gold here. This is a once-in-a-lifetime find. With these, we can enhance our equipment to legendary levels and create powerful potions." Chapter 142: Chapter 142: Abyss One afternoon, they decided to visit a cozy coffee shop that Seoyang had always enjoyed. Seojun sat at a table with his mother, savoring the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and theforting warmth of the shop. Huno,y quietly under the table, content and rxed.As they chatted and enjoyed their drinks, Seojun felt an overwhelming sense of normalcy and happiness. For the first time in a long while, he felt truly at ease. There were no battles to fight, no lonely nights¡ªjust the simple pleasure of being with his mother. He barely noticed the world outside, wrapped up in thefort of their peaceful life. Huno, however, was more alert. His ears perked up, and his noses twitched as he picked up on something unusual. Without drawing attention, he quietly slipped out from under the table and walked towards the door. Seojun didn''t notice, still immersed in their peaceful moment. Outside, Huno came to a halt and raised his heads, sniffing the air intently and Si emerged from Huno''s fur, his silver-scaled snake form coiling up. "I smell chaos," Si said After walking for about ten minutes, Huno noticed something unusual in a nearby alley. He went over to investigate and saw a small crack in the ground. Suddenly, Seojun''s system spoke up [That crack is a sign that an outbreak dungeon will appear soon.] Si asked, "Can''t Master and his mother be disturbed, What should we do, Father?" [Once the crack bes a bitrger, enter the dungeon and defeat the boss to prevent further problems.] With the crack beginning to widen, Huno and Si prepared to deal with the impending danger. They knew they had to act fast to protect Seojun and Seoyang from any potential threat. As Seojun and Seoyang enjoyed their time at the coffee shop, Seoyang nced outside and seemed lost in thought. Seojun noticed her distraction and asked, "What''s wrong, Mom?" Seoyang turned back with a smile, gently petting the white cat in herp. "Oh, it''s nothing, son." Seojun chuckled, "It seems like you''ve really taken a liking to Nymira." Seoyangughed and lifted the cat, rubbing her cheek against Nymira''s soft fur. "Well, look at her! She''s so cute!" Seojun was d to see his mother so content. He enjoyed these peaceful days, though he felt a sense of unease knowing that the world wasn''t as safe as it seemed. Taking a sip of his coffee, Seojun suddenly felt a shift in his senses. He stood up and smiled at his mother. "Mom, could you head home for now?" Seoyang looked at him, puzzled. "Why? What''s going on?" Seojun tried to reason, "I want to buy something and surprise you." Seoyangughed, "That''s not much of a surprise anymore, then." They both stood up and prepared to leave. Seojun called a taxi, and as it pulled up, he said to his mother, "Come backter, okay? I''ll cook something special for us." He kissed Seoyang''s cheek and smiled, guiding her to the backseat of the taxi. He looked at Nymira and said quietly, "Protect Mom, Nymira." Nymira responded with a soft, "I will, Master." As the taxi drove away, Seojun waved until it was out of sight. He turned and started walking in the opposite direction, hands in his pockets. The streets were busy, but his mind wandered as he felt a familiar sensation tugging at his senses. Something wasn''t right. As he walked, that feeling grew stronger. It was like a whisper from the past, calling him back to a time when darkness surrounded him. He headed toward a quiet, dimly lit alley, his instincts guiding him. When he reached the alley, Seojun stopped and frowned. His eyes narrowed as he saw something disturbing¡ªa ck hole slowly forming in the air, swirling with a dark energy he knew too well. "Abyss¡­" he muttered under his breath, recognizing the source of the strange energy. Meanwhile, Huno and Si entered the ck hole, finding themselves in a deste, eeriend. The ground was cracked and dry, with not a hint of green or life anywhere¡ªjust lifeless trees and barren earth. "This is the Abyss, brother," Si hissed as he crawled out from Huno''s body. Huno sniffed the air and barked, "I can feel my power here!" He then transformed into his human-sized form, stretching and flexing. Seeing Huno''s transformation, Si also shifted. He grew into his human-sized nine-headed hydra form, each head looking around with sharp eyes. "Looks like our strength is back in the Abyss," Si said, observing their powerful forms. The two of them stood tall, ready to face whatever challengesy ahead in this forsaken ce. Huno''s eyes gleamed with urgency. "We have to report this to Master. We need to stop the Abyss monsters from entering Earth." Si nodded in agreement, his nine heads swaying slightly as he assessed their surroundings. "Agreed. But first, we should take care of these monsters. Looks like they''re alreadying this way." As Si spoke, a horde of monstrous creatures emerged from the shadows, their grotesque forms moving toward the two guardians. The sight of their old enemies stirred a deep excitement in both Huno and Si. They felt the rush of their restored strength, and it ignited apetitive fire between them. Huno grinned and said, "Let''s see who can take down the most. I''ve missed this." Si''s heads all nodded in agreement. "You''re on. I''ll count every monster I defeat. Ready to see who wins" With a roar, Huno charged forward, his form blurring as he tore through the iing monsters with powerful strikes. Each swing of his weapon was precise, his speed and strength making quick work of the enemies. Si was not to be outdone. He slithered and struck with his multiple heads, each one delivering lethal blows to the monsters. His hydra form allowed him to strike in multiple directions at once, creating a whirlwind of destruction. Huno and Si fought with excitement In the middle of the battlefield, surrounded by the fallen bodies of their enemies. Chapter 143: Chapter 143: Leading holes toward Earth and other realm They had just won a tough fight, but the air was still filled with tension. As they began to catch their breath, a new danger stepped out of the shadows. The first creature they saw was a huge, four-armed monster with ck, scaly skin and eyes glowing like embers. It let out a roar that shook the ground. Huno, still in his three-headed Cerberus form, growled back. With a powerful leap, he rushed forward, each of his heads snapping as he aimed to bring the monster down. Huno went straight for its legs, hoping to knock it over. The monster swung its huge ws at him, forcing Huno to dodge. One of Huno''s heads managed to bite into the creature''s arm, tearing into its flesh. The monster screamed in pain, struggling to keep its bnce. Meanwhile, Si, in the form of nine serpents, moved with lightning speed across the battlefield. His snakes attacked the creature''s stomach, their sharp fangs sinking deep. Si''s serpents then coiled around the monster''s body, squeezing it tightly. The creature struggled but couldn''t free itself. Then another creature appeared¡ªa terrifying spider-like monster with long legs and a huge, gaping mouth. Its hard exoskeleton looked difficult to break. Huno quickly turned to face it, growling. He dodged in and out of the spider''s attacks, shing at its legs with his ws and teeth. The spider let out a high-pitched screech as it tried to fight back. Seeing Huno in trouble, Si sent some of his serpents to help. They moved swiftly and attacked the spider''s soft underbelly, tearing into its tough exterior. The spider let out onest scream before copsing to the ground, defeated. But the battle wasn''t over. A third monster, a giant bat-like creature with glowing eyes and tattered wings, swooped down from the sky. It aimed straight for Si. His serpents struck back, wrapping around its wings and biting at it with deadly uracy. The bat struggled in the air, but it couldn''t shake the snakes off. Huno rushed to help his ally. Leaping into the air, he grabbed the bat''s wings with his jaws, holding it still while his other heads tore into its body. The bat screeched in agony, but Huno''s strength was too much for it. Finally, the bat copsed, lifeless. The battlefield was littered with fallen monsters. Huno and Si were exhausted but victorious. Suddenly, a swirling vortex appeared in front of them. From the dark mist, a new figure emerged¡ªa tall, shadowy figure with glowing eyes and a powerful aura. This was something far more dangerous than what they had just fought. Si''s snakes hissed nervously. "Looks like the boss," he said, his voice a mix of fear and excitement. Huno growled, all three heads focused on the new threat. "This is it. Let''s finish this." But before they could attack, the shadowy boss let out a roar. In the next instant, a sh of blue fire cut through the air, slicing the boss clean in half. The monster''s body fell to the ground, defeated. Huno and Si looked on in shock. Behind them, they saw Seojun, holding a sword burning with blue mes. He had arrived just in time. His presence was calm andmanding, and his eyes were filled with determination. Huno instantly recognized Seojun and barked excitedly. He quickly shrank back into his normal dog form and ran over, nuzzling against Seojun''s legs, trembling with happiness. Si''s serpents also returned to their usual form, bing one snake. He slithered over and wrapped himself around Seojun''s feet, his eyes filled with relief and respect for his master. Seojun smiled warmly at his loyalpanions. "You both did great," he said, patting Huno''s head and looking at Si with approval. "I''m d you''re safe." Huno barked happily, and Si''s tense body finally rxed, feeling reassured by Seojun''s presence. Seojun sheathed his sword, the blue mes vanishing as he turned to inspect the remains of the boss. "Looks like you handled things pretty well until I got here," he said with a grin. He then asked his system, "What did you find out?" [It seems that a fallen god is trying to escape from the Abyss. It''s creating holes leading to Earth.] Seojun frowned. "Find out who it is." [Yes, Host.] Just then, a low rumble echoed in the distance. Seojun looked up to see a swarm of monsters racing toward them. The creatures were a mix of different terrifying forms, and they were moving fast. Huno and Si immediately positioned themselves beside Seojun, ready for another battle. Huno''s fur stood on end as he growled, prepared to fight. Si''s serpents coiled tightly, ready to strike. But Seojun remained calm, his expression serious as he watched the approaching monsters. As the monsters got closer, something strange happened. They suddenly stopped, their eyes wide with fear. Instead of attacking, they began backing away. Seojun raised an eyebrow in surprise. He took a step forward, and the monsters retreated even further. He frowned, confused, and took another step. The monsters scrambled backward, clearly terrified. "What''s going on?" Huno and Si thought, as they exchanged confused looks. Seojun took one more step, and the monsters turned and fled, running away in fear. He stopped, watching them disappear, then turned to Huno and Si. "It looks like just me being here is enough to scare them off," Seojun turned to face the final creature still standing. To his surprise, the monster¡ªa towering, horned beast with dark scales and glowing red eyes¡ªsuddenly knelt down, bowing its head low. "Abyss Lord," the monster said, its deep voice echoing in the eerie silence. "It''s been 8 years We have been waiting for you." Seojun frowned, his sword still glowing faintly in his hand. "So It''s been 8 years since i left the abyss...How did you know I''m the Abyss Lord?" The monster remained on one knee, head bowed low in submission. "There is an Abyss Lord in your head, my lord," Seojun blinked, then his frown deepened as realization hit him. Of course, he thought. Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Grimzark is nowhere to found The title Abyss Lord was visible to dark creatures, something he''d forgotten about since acquiring it. His thoughts drifted to Grimzark, the mischievous being who had once held the temporary position. "Grimzark is the temporary lord here," Seojun stated, crossing his arms. "Why are you waiting for me?" The monster, still bowing, spoke in a quiet but respectful tone. "Lord Grimzark no longer cares for the Abyss, my lord. Since he abandoned his duties, the monsters have been running amok, thews of the Abyss broken." Seojun frowned again At that moment, his system chimed in with an exnation. Grimzark abandoned his position as the temporary Abyss Lord. Without a ruler, the monsters are fighting amongst themselves to im the title. Seojun sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose in frustration. ''I should''ve just given the title back to Grimzark when I had the chance,'' "Let''s go to Ebon Isle," Seojun muttered under his breath. Huno barked in agreement, his fur bristling with excitement. Si, now in his snake form, hissed softly. Just as they were about to move, the kneeling monster spoke again. "Lord Grimzark is nowhere to be found, my lord." Seojun paused, turning back to the monster. "What do you mean, nowhere to be found?" His eyes narrowed as he stared down at the creature. The monster shifted ufortably, its massive form trembling slightly. "Grimzark... vanished, my lord. One day, he simply disappeared from the Abyss. We don''t know where he''s gone." Seojun''s frown deepened. Vanished? Grimzark was unpredictable, but for him to abandon his post and disappear entirely was troubling. "Is that why the monsters are in chaos?" Seojun asked. The monster nodded. "Yes, my lord. Without the Lord, the Abyss iswless. The strong devour the weak, and there is no order. Many of us have been waiting for the return of a true Abyss Lord to restore bnce." Seojun stared at the creature for a long moment, his mind racing with possibilities. Grimzark abandoning his post wasn''t a good sign, but Seojun had more pressing concerns now. ''If Grimzark''s gone, it looks like I''ll have to step in and fix this mess before they enter Earth.'' Seojun looked at the kneeling monster and sighed. "Stand up and go back to your territory," he said firmly. "Calm the other monsters." The creature nodded quickly, standing up and retreating into the shadows. Huno barked, showing off hisrge wings, while Si transformed into his massive hydra form, wings unfurling behind him. Seojun climbed onto Si''s back, gripping tightly as he prepared for what was next. "System, make the portal," Seojun muttered. [On it, Host] A swirling portal materialized before them, its edges glowing with dark energy. Seojun narrowed his eyes and softly muttered, "Ebon Isle." With a slight nod to hispanions, Seojun guided Si through the portal. In an instant, they were above the Obsidian Abyss Sea, a vast ocean of dark, swirling waters stretching out beneath them. Seojun, Huno, and Si flew over the Obsidian Abyss Sea, and something immediately felt off. The calm, still waters were now wild, with huge waves crashing into each other. Seojun frowned as he watched sea creatures fighting in the chaos below. "The Abyss is in worse shape than I thought," Seojun muttered, gripping Si''s back. Huno barked, his wings beating harder to keep them steady in the rough air. The sea churned beneath them, angry and alive. As they flew toward Grimzark''s castle, Seojun could feel the tension. The dark, towering fortress stood still, but there was no sign of life around it. No guards, no movement¡ªjust silence. It felt wrong. Theynded in the courtyard, and Seojun dismounted from Si. His footsteps echoed as they walked toward Grimzark''s chamber. The whole ce seemed abandoned. Pushing open the heavy doors, Seojun entered Grimzark''s room, only to find it empty. There was no sign of the mischievous creature he had met before. [Host, Grimzark left a message for you in that shard] the system said, drawing Seojun''s attention to a glowing shard floating near the far wall. Seojun approached it cautiously and picked it up. The moment his fingers touched it, a holographic figure appeared before him¡ªGrimzark, in his child-like form, smiling as always. "Seojun!" Grimzark''s voice was yful, his grin wide. "I knew you''d find this eventually. Took your time, didn''t you?" Seojun frowned, but he crossed his arms. "What''s this about, Grimzark?" The hologram chuckled. "Oh, don''t look so serious! Since you''ve gone back to Earth and became the Abyss Lord, I was temporarily in charge. But guess what? I''ve decided to leave." Seojun''s frown deepened. "You''re telling me you abandoned the Abyss?" Grimzark''s holographic form twirledzily, not caring about the chaos he left behind. "Abandoned? That''s a harsh word. Let''s say... I got bored. The Abyss was never meant for me. Too many rules." Seojun shook his head. "Then why did you take this realm in the first ce?" "Nah, I was curious and besides i didn''t expect that the Abyss Guardian is weak" "The creatures are fighting each other. They need order." The child-like figure grinned wider. "And that''s where youe in, Abyss Lord! You got the title, so now it''s your job." Seojun rubbed the bridge of his nose. "You could''ve kept things in control until I returned." Grimzark''s figure gave a small shrug. "Why should I? I''ve got bigger ns now. You see, I''m interested in Earth. You know, your home. I want to explore it." Seojun''s eyes narrowed. "Why Earth?" Grimzark''s image floated closer, still smiling. "Why not? It seems fun, and I like fun. There''s a lot I can do there." Seojun clenched his jaw. "You won''t make it to Earth. I won''t let you." The hologram of Grimzarkughed. "Oh, Seojun. You can''t stop me from looking. I might already be close. You never know." Seojun felt a chill. Grimzark''s interest in Earth was dangerous. "You left the Abyss in chaos, and now you''re looking for a way to invade my world?" Grimzark''s grin stayed as wide as ever. "Let''s just say I''m exploring my options. Anyway, enjoy cleaning up the mess. I''m off to n my next adventure." With that, the hologram flickered and disappeared, leaving Seojun alone in the empty room. He let out a long sigh. "How can i live peacefully with Mom now? Maybe I should find someone to fill in this position." Huno barked, sensing his frustration, and Si hissed softly. Chapter 145: Chapter 145: Officially the Ruler Seojun sat on the edge of the bed, staring out at the quiet room, his thoughts swirling. Just then, his system spoke up. [Host, there''s no need for someone to fill in the role of Abyss Lord. You can live peacefully on Earth with your mother while still being the Abyss Lord] Seojun raised an eyebrow then remember something "I think I receive an Item like a key before" [Yes, Host.You can manage the Abyss without being physically present here, Host. Activating the title will allow you to take control remotely. Please take a look at the detailed description of the Abyss Lord title.] Curious, Seojun opened his status window and clicked on the Abyss Lord title. Instantly, a list of skills and abilities appeared before him. The first thing that caught his attention was the reward of immortality. When the title was granted, it also bestowed immortality upon him but it need one thing to meet to truly be immortal, marking it as one of the title''s most powerful benefits. Seojun stared at the word "immortality" , huh? Whether it was good or bad didn''t really matter to him at this point. What mattered most was that he was still with his mother. "As long as I''m with her, that''s enough," he murmured and look at the others. Realm Maniption: Control over the physical and magical aspects of the Abyss. Seojun could reshape thend, enforcews, and maintain order without ever stepping foot in the Abyss. Lord Aura: When activated, this powerful aura would spread across the entire Abyss, letting every creature feel the presence of their rightful lord. It would calm unruly creatures andmand their respect. Dark Enhancement: A skill that enhances all dark-based attacks and abilities, making Seojun much stronger in battle, especially against creatures from the Abyss. Abyssal Authority: Grants full control over the Abyss Realm and its inhabitants. With this skill, Seojun could enforce his will on any creature within the Abyss, ensuring total obedience and maintaining bnce in the realm. Abyss Lord Crest: A mark that would appear on body when activated. With this crest, he could fully ess all of his Abyss Lord abilities. It acted as the key to unlock his other skills. Abyss Whisper Earring: Seojun could hear andmunicate with creatures in the Abyss, no matter where he was. The creatures'' thoughts, concerns, and actions would be known to him. Ebon Mirror: A special mirror that allowed Seojun to see into the Abyss from anywhere. He could watch over the creatures, make changes, and intervene if necessary. [Aside from Ebon Mirror, You already have the Abyss key. Using that you can go in and out in the abyss, Host.] Seojun nodded that he remember that, then studied the descriptions carefully. The Abyss Lord Crest seemed to be the core of his power, and once it was activated, he could use all the other skills. Lord Aura would ensure that the creatures of the Abyss knew their lord was in here, while Realm Maniption would let him maintain order from afar. He leaned back on the bed and rubbed his chin. "That''s convenient." [Exactly, Host. You can ensure order while staying on Earth and living a peaceful life. Would you like to activate the Abyss Lord Crest now?] "Yeah, let''s do it." Seojun sat back on the bed as the system continued. [Host, the Abyss Lord Crest will appear on a random part of your body. You don''t get to choose where it manifests,] the system exined. "Random, Alright, let''s do it," Seojun said, feeling the anticipation build up. A momentter, a system notification appeared before his eyes: [Loading Abyss Lord Crest... 45%... 78%... 100%. Done.] [The Abyss Lord Crest has appeared on the right side of your neck, Host,] the system notified. Seojun instinctively touched his neck, feeling the faint warmth of the newly formed crest. He nodded to himself. "Right side, huh? Not bad." Standing up, Seojun walked over to the terrace of his room and looked out into the distance. The air was still, but he knew that was about to change. "Activate Lord Aura," he muttered. Instantly, a wave of dark energy flowed out from him, surging like a tide across the Abyss Realm. It was as if the entire realm shuddered in recognition of its true master. Every creature, from the smallest to the mightiest, could feel it¡ªthe return of the Abyss Lord. In Nerathiel''s domain, a pale, Biino demon named Mra stood frozen as she felt the powerful aura wash over her. Her eyes widened in awe as she whispered, "It''s Lord Seojun! He finally defeated the Abyss Lord!" Meanwhile, in the Castle of Nerathiel, a gathering of powerful n lords felt the shift in the air. In the middle of their meeting, the aura hit them like a wave, and they all reacted. Zholga, a half-woman, half-serpent, hissed as she recoiled. "This power... The Abyss Lord has returned." Vrok, the bull demon, snorted and mmed his fist on the table. "It''s real... Lord Seojunmands this? How is this possible?" Kazrak, a lion demon with a mane of me, growled under his breath. "So the rumors were true. Grimzark is no longer the Lord. The Abyss has a new ruler." Sorgar, a skeleton lord with hollow eyes, simply stared into the void. "The bnce... has shifted. We must tread carefully now." Balor, the one-eyed demon, sat quietly, his single, massive eye narrowing. "Seojun... The human who now holds all the power. " As Seojun stood on the terrace, he could feel the weight of his authority spreading throughout the Abyss, reaching even the farthest corners. The monsters would now know that the Abyss Lord had truly returned. He clenched his fist, satisfied with the result. "Now they understand who''s in charge." Seojun took a deep breath and activated his next skill while they leave and he ride to Si. "Let''s find Grimzark," The air around him shimmered as the Ebon Mirror floated before him. With a thought, he gazed into it, and the reflections revealed different areas of the Abyss. [Grimzark is cunning, Host. It may take a long time to find him,] "I know. He probably felt my aura and is now hiding. I can sense he''s still in the Abyss," He saw monsters kneeling, murmuring, "Abyss Lord! Abyss Lord! Abyss Lord!" "This should fix the bnce now," he muttered, satisfied. [Yes, Host. You just need to use Realm Maniption to seal off the holes,] ''Let''s do that first'' Seojun concentrated on the mirror, envisioning the various holes leading out of the Abyss. As he thought about each one, the mirror disyed their locations clearly. [You can use Realm Maniption directly through the mirror, Host,] "That''s good," Seojun replied. He focused on the holes, and with a wave of his hand, he activated Realm Maniption. It felt like shading over the holes, and he watched as they sealed shut. "Do all the holes lead to Earth?" he asked. [No, Host. Five of the holes lead to Earth, while the others connect to different dimensions. But you don''t need to worry; Si and Huno can handle any monsters that escape.] Seojun nodded, feeling reassured. He mounted Si''s back, ready to fly to the hidden portal back to Earth. Huno flew beside them, barking in agreement. [I''ll let you know once I find out who the fallen god is trying to escape, Host. It might take some time,] "No, we''re going to, Let Grimzark enjoy for a while" Huno barked again, affirming Seojun''s decision. Using his title, Seojun was able to pinpoint the fallen god''s identity. As he shook his head in disbelief, a name slipped from his lips. "Sirenith" ''That pervert woman?!'' both Huno and Si thought, as they heard the name. Chapter 146: Chapter 146: Black Lotus Location: Earth in Glimmering Abyss Dungeon As the group neared the dungeon''s boss room, a sudden buzzing sound broke the silence. Alex''s phone rang. He nced at the screen, then gestured to Alexa that he needed to take the call. She nodded and moved to stand beside Jonathan, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. Meanwhile, the rest of the group noticed a cluster of slimes nearby. Their curious, gtinous bodies shimmered faintly in the dim dungeon light as theyzily moved across the stone floor. One of the party members, Jae-hyun, couldn''t resist poking at one of the slimes with his sword, a yful grin on his face. "What''s the difference between these Abyss slimes and the ones outside?" he asked, amused. Before anyone could answer, Alexa quickly stepped forward, her tone sharp. "Stop messing around! These slimes look different from the usual ones we see outside. Don''t underestimate them." She pointed at the odd shimmer in the slime''s body. "This could be a new kind of slime. Just because they seem harmless doesn''t mean they aren''t dangerous. We need to avoid them until we know more." Jae-hyun pulled back, nodding sheepishly. "Got it. No more poking." Min-seok and Jin-hyu shook their heads while handling their things properly at Jae-hyun''s reckless behavior. "If Jae-hyun keeps acting like that, he''s probably going to put all our lives in danger," Min-seok whispered quietly to Jin-hyu, ncing nervously at their guildmate. Jin-hyu nodded in agreement, his voice low. "Let''s just hope nothing bad happens. or else we''ll probably gonna die this time." At that moment, Alex had stepped aside to answer his phone. He held the device to his ear, speaking in a calm but focused tone. "Hello, Grandpa?" His grandfather''s voice came through urgently. "Alex, there''s a new A-rank dungeon that just showed up near where you are. It could interfere with the dungeon you''re in. You all need to hurry and clear it before things get worse." As Alex listened to his grandfather''s urgent voice over the phone, he asked, "Who''s going to clear the new A-rank dungeon? Are we expected to handle that too?" His grandfather''s voice reassured him. "Fortunately, Ms. Choi is nearby, so the ck Lotus guild has already entered the dungeon. They''re handling it." Alex sighed with relief. "That''s good to know. If the ck Lotus is on it, then we should be fine. We''ll focus on clearing this one quickly." His grandfather added, "Still, don''t waste time. There''s always a chance the dungeons could affect each other." "Understood, Grandpa," Alex replied before ending the call, ready to inform the rest of the group about the situation. Alex''s expression grew serious as he listened. " I''ll let the others know. We''ll finish up here and move quickly." Ending the call, Alex rejoined the group, Chapter: Urgency in the Air Alex approached Alexa, whispering in her ear about the call. She nodded, her expression serious as she prepared to inform the group. They both knew the situation had changed. Alexa cleared her throat and announced to everyone, "A new A-rank dungeon has appeared near us. We need to clear this dungeon as soon as possible before it affects anything." Jonathan chuckled lightly at the news. "Well, looks like we have no choice but to clear this quickly. Should''ve known there''d be a twist." Jae-hyun, ever eager to do things his way, grinned and tried to coax the group. "Why rush? We should explore a bit more! There''s always something interesting if you look around." Before he could continue, Min-seok and Jin-hyu grabbed Jae-hyun''s arms, holding him back. Min-seok whispered urgently, "Jae-hyun, let''s just follow Ms. Alexa''s orders." Jae-hyun paused, noticing how serious Alex and Alexa were. Some of the other party members were also giving him stern looks. Realizing he was pushing too far, Jae-hyun awkwardlyughed. "Chill, I''m just joking! Let''s go to the dungeon boss room, Ms. Alexa!" Alexa sighed, exasperated but relieved he wasn''t causing more trouble. "Just be careful. We''re not here to take unnecessary risks." With that, the group began their careful approach toward the dungeon boss room. In the newly discovered A-rank dungeon, the ck Lotus guild stepped in led by Choi Ji-eun, the Lotus Queen, who was the third-ranked awakener in Korea. Next to her was Min Yoon-ji, the Twilight Sorceress, who ranked fourth. Both women moved confidently, with their guild following closely behind and a system notification appeared as they entered: Dungeon Name: Abyssal Depths Rank: A Description: A dangerous dungeon filled with abyss-rted creatures. High-level monsters and potential hidden bosses make this ce a challenge for even the strongest teams. The other members of ck Lotus exchanged quiet whispers as they moved deeper inside. "This dungeon... if we don''t clear it quickly, it might affect the others nearby," one of them said with concern. Another nodded in agreement. "But with the Lotus Queen and Twilight Sorceress here, we''ll be fine. Still, we need to be careful." As they moved deeper into the Abyssal Depths, they suddenly encountered a group of Goblins. These goblins were unlike any they had faced before. Their green skin was marred by ck veins that pulsed ominously, and their eyes werepletely ck, giving them a terrifying appearance and automatically the status appraisal activated. Name: Abyss Goblin Rank B Description: A mutated goblin with ck veins that enhance its strength and resilience. Highly aggressive and difficult to defeat in numbers. Abilities: Abyssal Rage: Gains strength when injured. Shadow Leap: Can teleport short distances in darkness. The guild members quickly formed a line, weapons drawn, ready to engage. The lead goblin let out a guttural growl, and the rest of the group charged forward with surprising speed. "Attack!" one guild member shouted, and they rushed in to meet the goblins. The first sh was chaotic. A guild member swung a sword, slicing through the air and striking one of the goblins. It let out a shriek, but instead of falling, it seemed to absorb the pain and grow even more aggressive. Another goblin lunged at a different member, ws outstretched, but was met with a quick kick that sent it staggering back. One guild member unleashed a powerful spell, sending a burst of fire toward a cluster of goblins. The mes engulfed two of them, but they continued to charge through the fire, unharmed. The ck veins on their bodies seemed to absorb the heat, making them more dangerous. "Watch out!" someone yelled as a goblin sprang from the shadows, tackling another guild member to the ground. The two struggled, but the goblin''s strength was surprising. It wed at the member''s armor, leaving deep scratches. The fight was fierce, but the goblins kepting, their numbers seeming endless. Panic began to spread among the guild members as they realized the gravity of the situation. "They just keeping!" one shouted, swinging wildly at an approaching goblin. "Fall back! We need to regroup!" another yelled, but the urgency only heightened their fear. Choi Ji-eun and Min Yoon-ji continued to watch from a distance, assessing their members'' reactions. Just then, Yoon-ji spotted a goblin lunging toward a struggling guild member, ready to deliver a fatal blow. Yoon-ji dissapear and appear in front of the member creating a barrier of shimmering light that enveloped the guild member just in time. The goblin crashed against it, stunned. Yoon-ji then kick it, sending the goblin sprawling back. "Thank you Ms. Yoon-ji!" the saved member eximed, quickly standing back up. Seeing that they are outnumbered, Choi Ji-eun moved gracefully, her hands weaving through the air. Suddenly, violet petals began to swirl around her, creating a mesmerizing disy. In an instant, there was a quiet hush before the sound of goblin heads falling to the ground echoed through the chamber. The members looked on in awe. "It''s the Lotus Fang skill!" one guild member shouted, admiration shining in their eyes. "Wow, our leader is incredible!" another eximed, beaming with pride. "Did you see that? She took them out in one move!" someone else added, excitement bubbling over. The guild erupted in cheers, their confidence restored by the disy of power from their leaders. Chapter 147: Chapter 147: The Fallen Goddess In the heart of the Abyss, there was a domain known as Pyrestorm Isle. A massive, floating castle hovered in the sky, its jagged towers silhouetted against the swirling mes that engulfed the horizon. Below, thend was scorched and charred, with rivers of moltenva flowing through cracks in the ground. The only inhabitants of this fiery realm were the Pyrognomes¡ªred-skinned, humanoid creatures as tall as humans, with elongated ears, red eyes, and mes dancing along their spines. Some trembled in fear, others floated in the air, their eyes glued to the scene above. High above the floating castle, a woman hovered in midair, her body surrounded by a fiery aura. Her eyes glowed a fierce red, and her long, flowing hair danced wildly in the searing winds. This was Sirenith, the fallen goddess of me and chaos. She was in a fury, her hands constantly unleashing sts of fire in every direction, turning the sky into a storm of me. "I want to LEAVE! I will not stay trapped in this wretched domain!" Sirenith''s voice echoed across thend, her rage palpable. She sent another wave of mes toward the castle below, shaking its foundations. Several Pyrognomes, unlucky enough to be in its path, were incinerated instantly, their remains reduced to ash. Near the castle, a group of Pyrognomes watched the spectacle from a distance. One of them, trembling, decided to float closer to the enraged goddess, hoping to reason with her. "My Lady Sirenith, please calm down!" the Pyrognome begged, its voice shaking. "There is no need for such destruction. You will find a way out, surely!" Sirenith''s gaze snapped to the creature, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "You dare tell me to calm down?" she hissed, her voice dripping with venom. Before the Pyrognome could respond, Sirenith raised her hand, and a fiery st shot from her palm, striking the creature in the chest. The force of the st sent it tumbling backward, its red skin now scorched ck, and its hair alight with fire. The creature screamed, iling helplessly as mes consumed it. Nearby, a few other Pyrognomes hurriedly floated over to help. "Quick, put it out! Put it out!" one of them shouted as they doused the mes with a dark mist. Sirenith watched them for a moment, her expression twisted with frustration. "Pathetic," she spat, her voice booming across thendscape. "None of you understand! None of you can help me leave this domain! I will burn everything to ashes if I must!" The Pyrognomes cowered, backing away from her in fear. Above them, the sky continued to burn with the heat of Sirenith''s uncontroble rage. Another Pyrognome,rger than the others with deep red scales and horns, cautiously approached, his head bowed in submission. "My Lady, if you continue like this, the entire domain will crumble. Please, let us help you find a way to break free without destroying everything." For a moment, Sirenith paused, her mes dimming slightly as she considered his words. Then, with a snarl, she unleashed another burst of fire at the castle, scorching its once-majestic walls. "Silence! If I cannot leave, then I will see this entire realm reduced to dust!" As the Pyrognomes scrambled to avoid the falling debris, Sirenith let out a furious scream, her mes intensifying once more, setting the entire sky aze. The chaos below continued, with her servants either fleeing for their lives or desperately trying to calm their furious goddess. Sirenith turned sharply as she sensed something approaching from behind. A dark shape was rapidly moving toward her, and without hesitation, she raised her hand, sending a fiery st in its direction. The object vanished, consumed by her mes. However, when the heat cleared, she noticed what it is. Her eyes narrowed in confusion. Dark me? Suddenly, the distant shouting of her servants broke her thoughts. "A dragon! There''s a dragon, mydy!" Beside her, her right-hand Pyrognome, still trembling, received a sharp p on the head. He looked up at Sirenith in shock. "Aww, mydy, why?!" "I can see it and it''s a hydra can you see it''s heads? so don''t shout in my ear! Now, go down there!" shemanded coldly. The Pyrognome, teary-eyed, "Huhuu Yes, Mydy" and floated down reluctantly, casting worried nces at the looming threat in the sky. Not too far away, a massive silver-scaled dragon with nine heads came to a halt in midair, its eyes gleaming with an eerie light. Sirenith''s attention shifted to the figure standing on the dragon''s back. From the sky above, a Cerberus with three heads swooped down, circling them beforending. The figure walked through the air as if it were solid ground, descending slowly toward Sirenith, while the dragonnded on the charred ground below. "Who do you think you are to enter my domain without permission?!" Sirenith''s voice boomed, fury crackling in the air around her. The figure approached closer, his face cold and emotionless. "I see," he said calmly, "you didn''t recognize me." Sirenith''s eyes red brighter, trying to ce the stranger. There was something familiar about him, something that tugged at her memory, yet she couldn''t quite grasp it. "Recognize you? You''re nothing but an intruder. Speak your name before I turn you to ash!" The man remained unphased, his gaze steady. Sirenith snarled, the mes around her growing hotter, her temper rising. "How dare you not answer me?!" Sirenith''s eyes burned with fury as the realization hit her. She clenched her fists, the mes around her roaring higher as she red at the man standing so calmly before her. "I am the Abyss Lord," "You dare iming the title of Abyss Lord?" she spat, "You think you can waltz into my domain and wield that title against me?" She raised her arms, summoning a massive wave of fire that towered above her like an inferno. "I have been imprisoned in this domain for far too long," she snarled. "I will unleash all of my anger and hatred on you, and when I''m done, there will be nothing left but ashes!" With a deafening scream, Sirenith hurled the zing inferno at him. The sky burned with the sheer heat of her mes, and the Pyrognomes below scattered in panic, shielding themselves from the searing winds. The man raised his hand, and a dark, swirling energy formed around him, engulfing the mes that approached. As the fire shed with his energy, the dark mes absorbed Sirenith''s fire, leaving nothing behind but a swirling vortex of darkness. Sirenith''s eyes widened in shock as her attack was neutralized so effortlessly. "What¡­ how?" Without warning, he shot a torrent of dark fire straight toward her. Sirenith barely had time to react, throwing up a shield of me in front of her. The two forces collided, the sky erupting into a storm of fire and shadow as they battled for dominance. "You think your me can match mine?" Sirenith roared, pushing back with all her might, her fiery aura intensifying. "I am a fallen goddess! No onemands fire as I do!" But the man simply stared at her, his voice calm yet menacing. "You''re still the same, Serinith. Because of your impatient you almost indanger my world If you can''t recognize me then I''ll make you ." In a sh, he appeared in front of her, his hand ignited with dark mes. He struck her with a powerful st, sending her hurtling through the air. Sirenith crashed into the floating castle with a resounding boom, the impact shaking the very foundations of her domain. Groaning, she struggled to her feet, blood trickling from her lip. "You¡­ you will pay for that," she hissed, her mes swirling more violently around her. "I''ve heard enough of your arrogance," the man said, his voice cold and emotionless. Chapter 148: Chapter 148: Back in Instant Sirenith''s anger boiled over as she drew her fiery whip from her side, the mes crackling with intensity. Sheshed out, aiming to wrap the man in her grasp. "No matter what you do, you can''t escape my whip!" she shouted, charging toward him. The man, however, stood still, his expression unchanged. He merely sighed, unimpressed by her disy of power. As she closed in, he realized her intent¡ªto use her charm skill against him. "You''re done for," Sirenith smirked, grabbing his cheeks with a flirtatious gleam in her eyes. Suddenly, with a swift motion, the man pped her. "Y-you pped me?! Don''t you know who I am?!" she eximed, shocked and furious. He sighed again, this time more heavily, and grasped her neck firmly. Without warning, they flew downward, mming her into the ground with a force that shook the very earth beneath them. "Sirenith, do you even understand the cause of your tantrums?" he said coldly, unleashing an oppressive aura around him. Sirenith''s eyes widened in fear as she struggled to breathe under the weight of his power. "I''m going to get out of here! I don''t care what happens!" she shouted defiantly, though her voice trembled. He mmed her into the ground again, creating a deep crack in the earth. Sirenith coughed up blood, confusion and anger shing across her face. "H-how? Why can''t I get off your grip?" she gasped, disbelief evident in her tone. "A hole near us is almost open in my world," he replied, his voice steady and unwavering. "I will never let my mother witness those Monsters. I will do everything to protect her, physically, emotionally, mentally and live without problem." His grip tightened further, his thoughts consumed by the image of his mother terrified at the sight of monsters flooding into her world. "I will never let my mother get hurt," he stated again, his determination palpable. Sirenith struggled against him, pounding on his chest in a desperate attempt to break free, but the weight of his aura was too much. Suddenly, Cerberus nudged its head against him, reminding him of hispanion''s presence. The warmth of its affection caused him to calm down, and he released Sirenith, stepping back to create space. He stood up, brushing off the dust from his shirt, his demeanor shifting as he surveyed the chaotic scene around them. "You almost destroyed your domain," he said, his tone nowced with concern. Sirenith, still gasping for breath, pushed herself up from the ground, fury and frustration etched on her face. "I won''t let you interfere with my power! This is my domain!" she yelled, her fiery spirit igniting once more. "Your domain is falling apart, and you''re just feeding into your own chaos," he replied, crossing his arms, a mix of annoyance and pity in his gaze. "You have the strength to control it. Use it, don''t let it consume you." Sirenith''s eyes narrowed. "You think you can just lecture me? You know nothing about my struggles!" The man stepped closer, bending his head slightly to meet Sirenith''s furious gaze. "You still don''t recognize me, do you?" he asked, his voice calm but firm. "Ha! Who do you think you are to expect recognition?! I''ve never met an ugly human like you!" Sirenith shouted, her anger boiling over. Blood dripped from her lips, evidence of their fierce confrontation. Nearby, Cerberus sat, putting his paws on his middle head and shaking them in disbelief, while Si, the hydra in snake form crawled onto his shoulder, looking equally perplexed. He straightened up, his gaze unwavering as he observed the fuming goddess before him. Suddenly, a sh of memories surged through her mind, and her eyes widened in shock. "T-this posture!" she eximed, pointing an using finger at him. In that moment, she recalled a man with arger frame, long white hair, and piercing blue eyes¡ªeyes that mirrored his. "No... this can''t be! Lord Seojun?!" she shouted, the realization hitting her like a wave. Her heart raced, and she instinctively covered her mouth, horrified. "Oh no! What have I done? Lord Seojun, forgive me! I didn''t recognize you sooner!" she cried out, guilt washing over her like a flood. In a sh, she knelt before him, her once fiery demeanor reced by deep remorse. The pyrognomes around them exchanged bewildered nces, whispering among themselves. "Is that really Lord Seojun?" one of them murmured in disbelief. Sirenith''s heart raced as she looked up at the man she had just fought against, her mind racing with the weight of her actions. "I had no idea, my lord! I was blinded by my anger... please forgive me!" Seojun surveyed the chaotic remnants of Pyrestorm Isle, the aftermath of Sirenith''s earlier fury. "Your domain is a mess," Sirenith immediately stood tall, determination shing in her fiery eyes. "I will fix it!" she dered, snapping her fingers with conviction. In an instant, the devastation around them began to reverse. The scorched earth regained its lush greenery, the rivers of moltenva cooled into sparkling streams, and the floating castle restored its former glory, shimmering against the sky. She smiled widely, her heart lightening as she snapped her fingers again. With a burst of magic, her bruises faded, blood disappeared, and her torn clothes transformed into a stunning, flowing gown that matched her fiery essence. She turned to Seojun and instantly clung to him, her bright smile lighting up the room. "I didn''t recognize you, my lord! You look so different now, Your hair is not white and your body seems to shrink" "This is how I look before I came here in the abyss" "Still! You still look handsome and smells really good!" "Isn''t you just call me ugly human earlier?" Seojun mutterrd Sirenith acted like she didn''t hear it and turned to her servants with amanding voice. "Prepare a grand feast!" Then She then turned to Seojun, a bright smile lighting up her face. "I don''t know about that anyway Shall we, my lord?" Seojun nodded, Sirenith snapped her fingers, and they were teleported to hervish chamber leaving Huno and Si outside. She gently guided him to sit on her plush bed before dashing over to a wall lined with exquisite wines. In no time, she returned with two elegant sses, her energy infectious. Sirenith sat beside Seojun and began pouring the rich, crimson wine into his ss, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What happened, my lord? Did you finally defeat Grimzark? It''s been 350 years¡ªI''ve really missed you!" As she finished pouring her own ss, she moved a little closer, eager to hear his tales. Seojun took the ss, swirling the wine thoughtfully before bringing it to his lips. He noticed Sirenith gazing at him intently. After sipping, he sighed, cing his ss down. "You''ve been throwing tantrums, Sirenith and it''s making holes in the Abyss, leading to my world," he said seriously. Sirenith''s face fell, guilt washing over her. She looked down, the weight of his words sinking in. The room fell silent as she processed his statement. Then, suddenly, she stood up, her emotions overflowing. "I feel so lonely!" she cried out, tears streaming down her cheeks. In a burst of emotion, she jumped onto him, knocking him back onto the bed. "I''m so sorry! I will never do that again!" she wailed, burying her face in his shoulder, her sobs echoing in the room. Chapter 149: Chapter 149: Goddess of Lust "I just wanted to feel something," she sobbed, her voice muffled. "Everything feels so empty without you. I didn''t know how to cope, so I let my anger take over. Sirenith finally pulled back, her tear-streaked face meeting his gaze. "We''ll you stay with me?" she asked, hope glimmering in her eyes As Sirenith wiped the tears from her eyes, she looked up at Seojun with hope. "Are you going to stay with me now?" Before she could process the moment, her hands began to move, slipping under her shirt and crawling down toward her pants. "Oh my, still the same, my lord," she said with a teasing smile, licking her lips as she leaned closer. Seojun watched her, his expression a mix of amusement and caution. Just then, he vanished, leaving Sirenith alone on the bed. "Ehh, my lord!" she pouted, sitting up in frustration. Seojun reappeared beside the bed, adjusting his pants. "I''m going to leave now," he said firmly. Sirenith quickly grabbed his hands, her eyes wide with desperation. "Please don''t go!" With a snap of her fingers, she transformed into herplete, naked form. She licked her lips seductively, biting her bottom lip. "What do you think, Seojun?" He raised an eyebrow, unfazed. With a flick, he lightly tapped her forehead. "Ouch! You''re still the same. I can''t seduce you!" she chuckled, rubbing her forehead in yful annoyance. "You know me, Sirenith. So stop doing that," Seojun replied, his tone serious. Sirenith stood confidently before him, her naked body glistening. She took Seojun''s hands and ced them on her cheeks, her gaze softening. "I really missed you, Seojun. Remember the first time we met? You stripped me." "I didn''t strip you," Seojun corrected, a hint of a smile breaking through. "You stripped yourself in front of me because you thought you could seduce me." Sirenithughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She grabbed his hands again, cing them on her chest. A soft moan escaped her lips as she felt the heat of his palm against her chest. She closed her eyes, savoring the warmth and slowly guiding his hands downward, her breath quickening. "Help me, Seojun," she whispered, her voice low and pleading. The heat inside her was rising, making her feel both excited and vulnerable. She leaned in closer, pressing her lips against his neck, kissing him softly. She wanted Seojun to hold her "Sirenith¡­" he started, but his words faded as she continued to kiss him, her lips brushing against his skin, igniting a fire within her. Sirenith pulled back slightly, looking into his eyes. "I''ve missed you so much." As Sirenith wrapped her arms around Seojun''s neck, she felt a warmth spreading through her. "My lord," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin.As she rubbed her sacred ce against his manhood, Her heart raced as she pressed her body against his, feeling the heat between them grow. "Help me please," she pleaded softly, her eyes locking onto his. With a swift motion, Seojun lifted her effortlessly, her legs wrapping around his waist as he began to walk. "Ohh Seojun, I missed you. Please¡­" she moaned softly, leaning her head back as he kissed her neck, sending shivers down her spine. He paused, pulling back slightly to meet her gaze. Sirenith''s eyes sparkled with desire, and she whispered his name, "Seojun¡­" "I know how to ease that heat," he said, his voice low and steady. "You can do anything to me. Feel free to explore, my lord," she replied, her voice sultry as she leaned in closer, craving his lips. But just as she was about to kiss him, Seojun suddenly pushed her back. With a surprised gasp, Sirenith stumbled and fell into a nearby pool of water, sshing everywhere. "Lord Seojun!" "Now the heat is gone," he replied, shaking his head with a slight smirk before walking out of the room. Sirenith called out again as he turned to leave the chamber and now walking in the hallway few minutester. Sirenith floated gracefully behind him, now dressed in flowing clothes. She caught up to him and smiled yfully. "You know now how to tease me." "Yeah, you deserve that. Pervert," Seojun replied, ncing at her that pouted. "I can''t really move in you. Anyway, are you going to leave? Can I walk with you?" she asked, trying to sound casual. "Sure, I can''t eat, so give the dishes to your servants," Seojun said, not wanting to keep her from enjoying her own feast. He summoned Huno and Si, who appeared beside him. Huno''s middle head had a big piece of meat in its mouth, while the left and right heads were biting onto it too. while Si was also biting into arge chunk, trying to take it from Huno. After a pleasant walk and some light-hearted conversation, Seojun unsummoned Huno and Si back to their guardian space. She hugged Seojun tightly. "Please visit me again," she said, her voice sincere. Seojun gently patted her head. "Yeah." Reluctantly, she let go, and Seojun reached into his inventory. He pulled out a key and held it up to the air. With a swift motion, a door appeared, shimmering with a soft light. "Goodbye, my lord! Don''t hesitate toe to me if you need help¡ªor a bed partner! I''m always here!" Sirenith called out, a hopeful smile on her face. Seojun waved his hand as he stepped back with Huno and Si dissapeared as they were summoned to their guardian space and the door closed behind him, disappearing into thin air. Sirenith stood there for a moment, wiping away a few tears that had formed. "Wow, Lord Seojun has changed so much, but I don''t feel any aura from him," She turned to her right-hand pyrognome "Idiot. Lord Seojun is the Abyss Lord now. His lord aura is unstable. Something is holding it off to avoid killing you all," the other pyrognome was amazed. "Have you been able to seduce him this time, mydy? You earned the nickname ''Goddess of Lust,'' but you still can''t seduce him" he shook his head pping with a genuine smile. "I salute Lord Seojun for resisting!" Sirenith red at him, annoyance shing in her eyes. "Oh, shut up!" she yelled, kicking him in the ass that is now running away. Chapter 150: Chapter 150: Lord Aura Seojun frowned as he appeared in the cave. The air was cool and damp, and shadows danced across the walls. It felt familiar, almost like the first time he arrived on Earth, making him think he had entered another dungeon. [The door in returning is still not urate, host, but we are on Earth near your home] the system informed him. He nced around, taking in the rough stone walls and the distant echoes of dripping water. Suddenly, he heard voicesing from behind him. He turned to see a group of people entering through a narrow tunnel, led by two women. One of the women had long violet hair tied back with a flower pin, and her violet eyes shone with confidence. The other woman was taller and older, with shoulder-length white hair and deep ck eyes. [That woman with violet hair is Choi Ji-Eun, the guildmaster of the ck Lotus Guild, ranked third in Korea,] the system exined. [The woman beside her is Min Yoon-ji, her right-hand and ranked fourth.] Seojun studied Ji-Eun, sensing the power radiating from her. She was strong, but he couldn''t help but wonder, I wonder if she can handle mine. Just then, one of the guild members spotted Seojun and shouted, "Look! There''s a guy over there! Hey! What are you doing in here?!" [Host, I''ve blocked your aura to avoid killing them,] the system warned. Seojun smirked and replied, "Hmm, just let it be. I want to see how they handle it." [But host, your peaceful life might change if you release your aura and got recognized] Seojun stayed quiet, his curiosity growing. He stood in a dark part of the cave, making it hard for the guild members to see his face and they nced around, trying to understand who he was without being able to see him clearly. "Hey! You better answer us when we''re asking you! Don''t you know who we are?!" another guild member yelled, his voice filled with annoyance as they kept their distance. Ji-Eun and Yoon-ji watched in silence, their expressions serious as they observed Seojun, who seemed unfazed by their shouts. The rest of the guild grew more agitated, trying to provoke a response from him. "We were the first ones to enter this dungeon and forbid anyone in entering. How did he get here?" Ji-Eun muttered. "Maybe he''s lost?" Yoon-ji suggested, eyeing Seojun carefully. As Seojun stood in the dark, the system finally stopped blocking his aura. Yoon-ji''s eyes widened in shock. "Everyone Back off!" she shouted, raising her hands to cast a barrier. The other guild members immediately followed her lead, scrambling backward in fear. Slowly, a ck aura began to seep from Seojun''s body, swirling in the darkness. Yoon-ji took out her scythe, ready to defend herself. Ji-Eun watched in amazement. "A small amount of aura, yet terrifying," she mumbled. The guild members struggled to keep theirposure as the aura''s presence pressed down on them. "What is that? I can''t breathe!" one member gasped, falling to his knees. "It feels like it''s crushing me!" another shouted, clutching his chest in panic. "I can''t take it! It''s too much!" a third member cried, falling to the ground as the weight of Seojun''s aura surrounded them. Yoon-ji''s barrier flickered and shimmered, but it held strong, slowly stabilizing everyone. "Stay calm," Suddenly, they heard his voice, low and calm. "5%." The aura intensified. "20%." A burst of dark energy leaked from his body, mming against Yoon-ji''s barrier. The barrier started to crack under the pressure. "It''s pushing my barrier?" her eyes wide with disbelief. "How is this possible?" "I-Impossible! His pushing Ms. Yoon-ji barrier just by an Aura!" one of the guild members yelled, his face pale with fear. Ji-Eun stared at Seojun, her heart racing. "This can''t be happening¡­Just who is he?" "Ms. Ji-Eun! we have to retreat!" another member shouted, backing away slowly. As the aura continued to push against Yoon-ji''s barrier, the tension in the cave thickened. Seojun watched them struggling, "20% of my aura is pushing them? How weird. They''re top rankers, right?" [Host, you are far stronger than them. The Abyss you have been trapped in has different levels of monsters and fast leveling. The A-rank dungeon you first arrived in had the dungeon boss, a Minotaur, at level 800, and it is considered A-rank, the second highest.] "Yeah, I''ve noticed that," Seojun said, contemting the difference in power. He decided it was time to stop teasing them. "Block it, system," hemanded. Slowly, his aura began to retreat back into his body. As the pressure lifted, Just as Seojun''s aura fadedpletely, Yoon-ji charged forward with her scythe, ready to strike. "Shadow Bind!" she shouted anddark tendrils of energy shot out from her scythe, aiming to ensnare Seojun. But before her attack could connect, Seojun suddenly vanished. "He...Dissapear" Yoon-ji stood frozen couldn''t believe what just happened. "Interesting, Let''s immediately cleared the Dungeon. They have to know this, A powerful being just appeared." Ji-Eun with her smile took out a petal and blow at it , Slowly turing into dust. Meanwhile, Seojun walked casually through the dark cave, feeling that what he was wearing is different from what he had worn before entering the Abyss earlier, It was not the clothes his wearing when their in the Cafe with his Mom and he remembered how his clothes had changed when he arrived. Curious, he opened his inventory and quickly switched out his outfit that his wearing beforesettling on thefortable jacket with a hood. He slipped his hands into the pockets and continued on his way. As he wandered, a familiar sight caught his eye. A goblin appeared ahead, resembling the one he had encountered in thebyrinth before. This one had a green body, muscr build as tall as human, and ck veins snaking across its skin. Itspletely ck eyes stared at Seojun, and it wore a ne made of sharp fangs. Seojun checked the goblin''s status. [Status] Name: Abyss Captain Goblin Rank B "Hmm," Seojun hummed thoughtfully. The goblin suddenly charged at him, attempting to tackle him. Seojun quickly dodged to the side, watching as the goblin crashed into the cave wall with a loud thud. Angered, it pulled back its fist and began hurling rocks at Seojun. [Host, why don''t you finish it off?] "Where''s the fun in that? I want to see what else this monster can do," Seojun replied with a smirk, easily sidestepping the flying debris without taking a step back or forward. The goblin, now panting heavily, red at him. Smoke billowed from its mouth as it caught its breath, clearly frustrated. "Is that all you can do? You can''t entertain me more?" Seojun taunted, his voice dripping with mockery. The goblin''s anger only deepened, its muscles tensing as it prepared for another attack. With a fierce roar, it lunged at Seojun once again. As Seojun prepared to engage the goblin, he suddenly felt the grip around his waist tighten. Before he could react, he were knocked to the ground along with the figure that pull him, a loud thud echoing in the cave. Seojun frowned as hended, As he pushed himself up, he nced to his side and saw a familiar figure. "Min Yoon-ji?" he mumbled, recognizing the woman who had been with the guild earlier. Chapter 151: Chapter 151: Dungeon Boss As Yoon-ji stood up, she quickly grabbed Seojun by the cor of his jacket and threw him to the side. Seojun let himself be tossed,nding safely in the arms of the guild members he had met earlier. He was confused and tried to get his bearings. One of the guild members, a tall man with a reassuring smile, tapped him on the shoulder. "Don''t be scared, boy. Ms. Yoon-ji and Ms. Ji-eun are here," he said cheerfully. Seojun frowned, still trying to process what just happened. Another guild member, a young woman with kind eyes, noticed his confusion. "You must be really scared! Here, let me heal you," she offered. "Don''t worry! Ms. Yoon-ji can handle that goblin!" "Yeah! What are you doing in here anyway?" the tall man continued, shaking his head. "Entering the dungeon that had signed ''Do not Enter'' isn''t allowed! Youngsters these days are so stubborn." "You''re so lucky we saw you!" another girl chimed in, her voice full of excitement. Seojun thought, What the hell? "Look! Don''t miss the fight of your savior!" the tall man said, grabbing Seojun''s shoulder and turning him to face the battle. There, Yoon-ji had trapped the goblin in her Shadow Bind skill. The goblin struggled, but the dark tendrils held it in ce. Yoon-ji moved with precision, her scythe gleaming in the dim light of the cave. With a swift motion, she sliced through the air, and in an instant, the goblin was cut into pieces. The guild members erupted in cheers, praising Yoon-ji for her skill. "Amazing job, Ms. Yoon-ji!" one shouted. "You took it down fast!" "Did you see that?" another eximed. "She''s the best!" Yoon-ji''s scythe disappeared from her hands as she walked back to the group. Ji-eun stepped forward, her expression calm. "We won''t report you for entering the dungeon without permission, but don''t do it again," she said firmly. She turned and began walking, followed by Yoon-ji and the others. Seojun, not having much choice, was dragged along by a guy who casually slung his arm over Seojun''s shoulders. "Why did you enter this dungeon when there''s a clear ''Do Not Enter'' sign? You''re lucky Ms. Ji-eun is letting you off," one of the men said, shaking his head. "Yeah, it''s obvious kids like you enter dungeons trying to get awakened. If we hadn''t seen you, you''d probably be dead by now," another guy added with a click of his tongue. "Hey, don''t be so harsh on him," a girl chimed in, looking a bit annoyed at their tone. "How did you know I''m not awakened?" Seojun asked, just going with the flow for now. The girl who had healed him earlier grabbed his hand gently and turned it over, showing the back of his palm. "All awakeners have a mark here, on the back of the palm. It will became transparent and glows when you''re in danger. Earlier, nothing glowed, so it was obvious." Seojun took his hand back, nodding slightly. "I see." The guy with his arm still around Seojun''s shoulder leaned in and whispered, "Oh-uh, don''t get too close to her, kid. She''s dangerous." The girl heard him and pped his shoulder hard. "Stop it! I''m not dangerous! He might believe you, idiot!" she shouted, pushing him away before walking beside Seojun. Seojun couldn''t help but think, ''Are they stupid? They don''t recognize me?'' [Host, since they didn''t see your face earlier, I doubt they recognize you. Plus, your clothes earlier gave off a different vibe. Now you look like a regr 18-year-old teen, and your aura is suppressed,] Makes sense but still¡­ them not recognizing me is so dumb, Seojun thought, somewhat amused but slightly annoyed. "Hey... hello?" Seojun blinked and looked at the girl waving her hand in front of his face. Her expression turned to concern. "Are you okay? Is there still something wrong?" she asked. "The kid''s too terrified to speak. Tsk tsk tsk, entering a dungeon you can''t handle is suicide," one of the other guys chimed in, shaking his head. The girl ignored him and gently grabbed Seojun''s hand. Her hands glowed softly as she smiled. "There, I hope your fear disappears now. Just forget what happened earlier. It won''t happen again," she said kindly. Seojun felt a strange sensation from her touch, which made him pull his hand back again. The othersughed, unable to hold it in, and the girl red at them before turning back to Seojun with a smile. "Anyway, I''m Pay. What''s your name?" "Seojun," he answered simply, his attention shifting to a massive door ahead of them. Pay wasn''t done, though. "Uhmm, can I get your number? Maybe we can have a talk after this?" she asked, a bit hopeful. Seojun raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly not expecting that. One of the other guys quickly pulled Pay away,ughing as he said, "Don''t pay attention to her, she likes young boys like you." Another chimed in, "Too greedy, Pay! Haha, you''re 28, way too old for him!" They allughed together. Seojun just sighed internally, thinking, I''m 23 on paper, so I''m not that young... but who cares. Ji-eun suddenly stopped walking, and the group found themselves standing in front of a massive door. Her eyes lit up. "The boss room!" she said with excitement. "Oh yeah! We found it!" the others cheered, their excitement filling the air. The others warned Seojun to stay in the corner once they entered the boss room. "We won''t be able to get out of this dungeon without defeating the boss and if we used up all the potions, our healer mana and you got hurt. You''ll die" one of them said seriously. Yoon-ji turned to the group, her expression focused. "Get ready. Remember, we won''t step in unless you''re about to die," she said, emphasizing that they were treating this dungeon raid as training for the newer members. "Don''t worry, Ms. Yoon-ji and Ms. Ji-eun! We''ll make you proud!" one member replied confidently. Seojun then activated his appraisal, [STATUS] Name: Choi Ji Eun Korea Top 3 Ranker S- Rank ss: Lotus Sorcerer Title: Lotus Empress Stats: Agility: A Stamina: A Strength: A Mana: S [STATUS] Name: Min Yoon-ji Top 4 Korea Ranker S-Rank ss: Dark Sorcerer Title: Twilight Sorcerer Stats: Agility: A stamina: B Strength: A Mana: S Their stats is almost the same , Seojun thought and got distracted by this members. "Yeah! We''ve trained hard for this!" another added, determination in their eyes. "We''re ready for anything!" a girl said, cracking her knuckles. As the group stepped forward, they felt proud of themselves. "Oh yeah! That boss won''tnd a hit on us!" one member shouted, grinning widely. "He''s doomed because we''re hear!" another replied, excitement in their voice. "Let''s show that boss what we''re made of!" Pay said, her eyes shining with determination. They entered the boss room, and a notification appeared before them: [Notification: You have entered the Boss Room!] Boss: Abyss Goblin Emperor Rank: A (2000) As the group entered the boss room, a heavy feeling settled over them. Suddenly, the Abyss Goblin Emperor stepped out from the shadows. It was huge, towering over the guild members. Its green skin was covered in thick, ck veins that seemed to pulse with energy. Its eyes werepletely ck, and it wore a jagged crown made of twisted metal. Around its neck hung a ne of fangs, trophies from its many victims. In its hands, it held a massive axe, the de shining menacingly in the dim light. Just then, the door behind them mmed shut with a loud thud. The sound echoed through the chamber, sending chills down everyone''s spine. Panic spread among the group. They realized they were trapped with a Level 2000 Rank A boss, which felt impossible. The highest rank A level they had ever faced was Level 900, and they knew that anything at Level 2000 should be ssified as Rank S. The overwhelming power of the creature left them questioning their chances of survival. Another member''s heart raced as she wondered if there was a glitch in the system that had brought them here. But as they looked around, it became clear that this was not a glitch at all. They were unaware of how much stronger Abyss monsters werepared to those in their world. Chapter 152: Chapter 152: Abyss Goblin Emperor VS S-Rankers Seojun standing in the corner, his expression one of disbelief and frustration. The Abyss Goblin Emperor towered over the battlefield, its presence almost suffocating. It stood still, its eyes fixed on the members, who were desperately trying to find a way to defeat it. Suddenly, a member flew through the air,nding ungracefully near them. He groaned as he looked at Seojun and the others on the floor. "Didn''t you say the boss wouldn''tnd a hit on you?" Seojun muttered. "Shut up! That boss is just lucky!" he snapped back, annoyance in his voice. He quickly stood up, gulped down a potion and charged back. The battle continued to rage around them. A healer the girl began chanting softly, her hands glowing as she focused on her magic. She cast a protective shield over her teammates, reinforcing their defenses. "Stay strong! I''ll keep you all alive!" she called out, her voice steady despite the chaos. Meanwhile, Pay focused her energy, summoning icy winds to strike at the Abyss Goblin Emperor. She raised her hands, and sharp icicles shot toward the monster. However, they shattered against its tough skin without leaving a mark. The creature didn''t even flinch, making her frustration grow. "We need to find its weak point!" she shouted, disheartened. The short-range members lunged at the Goblin Emperor, swords swinging wildly, but their attacks had no effect against the monster''s massive frame. It stood like a mountain, absorbing the blows without any visible damage. One of them, armed with a bow, positioned himself at a distance. He pulled back an arrow, aiming carefully. "Cover me!" he yelled, releasing the arrow. It flew straight and true but simply bounced off the Goblin Emperor''s hide, as if it were made of stone. "Keep shooting!" Pay encouraged him, desperation creeping into her voice. The archer quickly nocked another arrow, this timecing it with a bit of magic to enhance its power. He took aim again and shot, this time targeting the creature''s eye. The arrow struck true, piercing the monster''s eyelid, but the Goblin Emperor only growled in irritation. It didn''t budge. As the monster remained unfazed, the healer stepped forward, channeling her magic to strengthen her allies. "His so tough! keep it up guys!" she shouted. The warmth of her spell wrapped around them, giving everyone a brief boost of energy. But the Abyss Goblin Emperor quickly recovered, its massive hands swinging down to swipe at the nearest members. One of the short-range was sent flying back, crashing into a wall. The group gasped, fear rising again as they realized the enemy was still more powerful than they had hoped. As the battle against the Abyss Goblin Emperor raged on, a sudden rm echoed in the members causing a red warning to sh before his eyes. A warning of their global system about them in critical position. [They are no match for the Goblin Emperor.] Seojun system spoke, Seojun frowned. He agreed with the system. [Why don''t you step up, host? Show them how it should be done,] ''No need, Let these two handle it. I want to see how they fight the Abyss Goblin Emperor.'' Just then, the members on the floor were losing their strength. Fear gripped them as they braced for the Goblin Emperor''s axe, which was poised toe crashing down. Yoon-ji stood beside Seojun and with a swift motion, it materialized in her hand. "Shadow Bind" she murmured. Instantly, a rope-like shadow burst forth from her scythe, wrapping around all the fallen members. The shadow pulled them back just in time to avoid the Goblin Emperor''s massive axe. They all breathed a sigh of relief, hearts pounding. "We''ll handle this," Ji-eun spoke confidently. Violet petals began to appear out of nowhere, swirling around her. They lifted her gently into the air, creating a pathway that allowed her to ascend above the battlefield. "Sorry, Ms. Ji-eun. We''re not strong enough," the others murmured, their heads hung low in embarrassment. Yoon-ji, however, dismissed their apologies. she stepped forward, walking confidently toward the Goblin Emperor. Ji-eun stood in the face of the Abyss Goblin Emperor, their demeanor calm despite the chaos surrounding them. The other members watched in awe as Ji-eun floated gracefully on a tform of violet petals, now on eyes level of the Goblin Emperor. With a steady hand, Ji-eun held a single violet petal between her fingers, its beauty contrasting sharply with the dire situation. In one swift motion, she threw the petal at the Goblin Emperor''s ear. The petal glimmered in the air, slicing through the darkness like a sharp de. The petal struck the Goblin Emperor''s ear with precision, and a look of shock crossed its face. The massive creature stumbled back, clutching the spot where its ear had been. The members gasped collectively, eyes wide in disbelief. "That''s Petal Fang for you! Awesome, Ms. Ji-eun!" one member shouted, excitement bubbling in their voice. "Ms. Ji-eun, Petal Fang is so OP! It can cut anything!" "S-Ranker really is so powerful!" "You''re doomed now, monster! You messed with the wrong guild!" they shouted in unison, their confidence growing. The Goblin Emperor, despite its injury, remained calm. It looked up at Ji-eun, a hint of respect in its eyes. "You were able to cut me with just a petal. I''m impressed," it said, its voice deep and resonant. The members gasped again, This was the first time any of them had encountered a monster that could speak. "Did it just talk?" one member whispered, disbelief etched on their face. "No way!" Pay shouted, "I can''t believe it! How is that possible?!" Yoon-ji Reaching into her inventory, she pulled out a shimmering item that glowed softly in the dim light. This item, an ancient artifact, allowed her to float and reach the eye level of the Goblin Emperor. As she activated the artifact, she felt herself lift off the ground. She hovered gracefully in the air, her scythe glinting in the light. Looking directly at the Goblin Emperor, she spoke with calm confidence, "A boss that can talk? I''m also impressed." The Goblin Emperor''s eyes narrowed as it regarded her. "Show me what you got, humans. Those ants'' attacks didn''t entertain me," Chapter 153: Chapter 153: Goblin Emperor VS S-Rankers (2) As the tension in the air thickened, Ji-eun and Yoon-ji prepared for battle against the Abyss Goblin Emperor. Ji-eun, known as the Lotus Queen, focused her energy. She extended her arms, and a shimmering barrier formed around her¡ªa beautiful Petal Wall made of vibrant violet petals that sparkled like jewels. "Petal Wall" she murmured, and the barrier stood strong and blocked the axe that the Goblin emperor threw. Meanwhile, Yoon-ji floated beside her, her scythe gleaming with dark energy. "You''ve miss with the wrong humans, Goblin." she dered, her voice steady. She swung her scythe, and a wave of shadow energy shot toward the Goblin Emperor. "Shadow Bind" The shadows wrapped around the Goblin Emperor, momentarily slowing its movements. Taking advantage of the moment, Ji-eun unleashed her Petal Fang, throwing sharp petals at the creature. The petals sliced through the air, hitting the Goblin Emperor with precise strikes. "Your attacks are nothing!" the Goblin Emperor roared, shaking off the petals and the shadows. His axe flew back to him and swung it at Yoon-ji, who dodged with agility, soaring higher into the air. "Eclipse Strike" Yoon-ji murmured, swinging her scythe again. A shockwave erupted from the de, cutting through the space between them and mming into the Goblin Emperor. The force knocked it back slightly, but the creature quickly regained its bnce. "Impressive, but it''s time for you to learn your ce!" the Goblin Emperor sneered. It pointed at Ji-eun, a wicked smile crossing its face. "One at a time. I want to enjoy crushing your hope, human." Yoon-ji''s eyes narrowed, her expression devoid of emotion. "You can fight her once you defeat me," she dered firmly, not backing down. The Goblin Emperor considered her words, and then nodded slowly. "Very well. I will crush you first, then your next," it said, a dark glint in its eyes. Ji-eun watched from above as Yoon-ji prepared for the Goblin Emperor''s next attack. Yoon-ji floated calmly in front of the Abyss Goblin Emperor, her heart steady. She focused on the creature, ready to dodge its powerful attacks while maintaining herposure. With a loud roar, the Goblin Emperor charged forward, swinging its massive axe. Yoon-ji sidestepped smoothly, feeling the rush of wind as the axe narrowly missed her. She spun gracefully, her eyes never leaving the monster. "Shadow Bind," she said softly, sending dark tendrils of shadow toward the Goblin Emperor. The shadows wrapped around the creature''s legs, trying to hold it in ce. The Goblin Emperor struggled against the bindings, its eyes shing with anger. "You think you can trap me?" it bellowed, using its strength to break free. With a fierce tug, it shattered the shadowy bonds and red at Yoon-ji. "Let''s see how you handle this!" it shouted, raising its axe high. Suddenly, it mmed the weapon down toward Yoon-ji, creating shockwaves that rattled the ground beneath her. Yoon-ji remained calm, dodging to the side with fluid grace, the force of the attack sending dirt flying. "Eclipse Strike," she said, channeling energy into her scythe. She swung it down, releasing a wave of dark energy toward the Goblin Emperor. The shockwave struck the monster, causing it to stagger back slightly, but it quickly regained its footing. "Is that all you''ve got?" the Goblin Emperor taunted, wiping the dust from its armor. It retaliated with a series of rapid strikes, swinging its axe with terrifying speed. Yoon-ji stayed alert, dodging left and right, her movements precise and deliberate. Each time the axe came close, the ground trembled beneath her feet. Yoon-ji weaved through the attacks effortlessly, her heart steady. After a series of near misses, Yoon-ji took a deep breath and prepared to counterattack. "Shadow Bind," she said again, her voice calm and focused. Dark shadows shot out from her scythe, wrapping around the Goblin Emperor''s arms and slowing its movements. "Stupid Human! I''m not a Emperor for nothing!" it snarled, but Yoon-ji could see the strain in its muscles. "Now, Eclipse Strike," she said, swinging her scythe with confidence. The dark energy flew toward the Goblin Emperor, striking it square in the chest. The impact sent the monster crashing back, but it quickly rose again, anger etched on its face. "You will pay for that!" the Goblin Emperor roared, its eyes filled with rage. It charged forward with renewed fury, and Yoon-ji stood her ground, ready to face whatever came next. The Abyss Goblin Emperor decided to escte the fight. With a sinister grin, it raised its massive axe high above its head. Suddenly, the axe transformed, breaking apart into thousands of smaller normal axes that filled the air like a deadly storm. Each one gleamed with a wicked light, ready to strike. Yoon-ji remained calm, her eyes focused on the swirling mass of axes. She could feel the wind shift as they flew toward her, but instead of panic, she felt a surge of determination. "I won''t let you win," The smaller axes shot through the air at incredible speed, aiming to overwhelm her. But Yoon-ji was ready. As the first wave of axes approached, she gripped her scythe tightly and moved with fluid grace. She swung her weapon in a wide arc, the de of her scythe cutting through the air. With each sh of metal, the axes that came her way were deflected, flying off into the distance. Yoon-ji''s movements were precise and elegant, each strike timed perfectly. She spun and twirled, her scythe a blur of silver as it met the oing axes. One by one, the tiny weapons met her scythe, creating a symphony of ringing sounds as they shed. The air was filled with the sight of flying axes and the dance of Yoon-ji''s de. She moved effortlessly, her body shifting in sync with the storm of attacks. "Impressive," the Goblin Emperor called out, watching her with narrowed eyes. "But can you keep this up?" It seemed amused, thinking it had the upper hand. Yoon-ji didn''t respond; she focused on the fight. With a flick of her wrist, she sent another wave of axes flying away, but more kepting, an endless storm of metal. She had to think fast. Suddenly, Yoon-ji changed her strategy. Instead of just deflecting the axes, she began to attack them mid-air, using her scythe to slice through multiple axes at once. Each swing created a ripple of energy that cut through the air, sending the axes spiraling off course. "Come on" she said softly, almost taunting the Goblin Emperor. With each strike, she felt more empowered and It woke up, her excitement bubbling inside her. Her heart raced, not from fear, but from the thrill of battle. "You''ll have to do better than that," she said with a grin. The Goblin Emperor scowled, clearly frustrated by her agility. It raised its hands, summoning even more axes to join the fray. But Yoon-ji stood firm, unyielding. She danced through the chaos, her movements fluid and controlled, a beautiful disy of skill and strength. With one final swing, Yoon-ji unleashed a powerful strike that shattered arge number of axes in one go, sending shards raining down like glittering confetti. The Goblin Emperor watched in disbelief as its own attack was turned against it. "Is this all you can do?" Yoon-ji said, a calm determination in her voice. Chapter 154: Chapter 154: Defeated "Not bad" Seojun murmured. As Yoon-ji continued her graceful fight against the Abyss Goblin Emperor, the other members of the guild could only watch in awe. Their eyes widened as they struggled to keep up with her movements, unable to look away from the stunning disy of skill before them. "Ms. Yoon-ji''s battle dance is the best!" one member eximed, a hint of admiration in his voice. "Look at her white hair flowing as she moves, Ms. Yoon-ji is a Goddess!" Their healer girl praises. The boys couldn''t help but admire her. Every swing of her scythe was precise, every movement fluid, as if she was performing in a grand ballet. The way she leaped and spun through the storm of flying axes left them spellbound. "She makes dodging those axes look so easy." Meanwhile, the Goblin Emperor, growing increasingly irritated, tried to control the small axes he had summoned, directing them with malicious intent. Each axe moved with a purpose, seeking tond a blow on Yoon-ji, but she remained calm and collected, expertly evading their strikes. The Goblin Emperor, frustrated by her agility, intensified his attacks,manding the small axes to change direction with greater speed. But Yoon-ji remained unfazed, her movements a beautiful blend of grace and power. "She''s incredible!" another member gasped, as they witnessed Yoon-ji dodge yet another wave of axes. "How does she make it look so effortless?" With each sessful deflection, the admiration from her teammates only grew stronger. They felt a sense of pride in watching her shine on the battlefield, even as the Goblin Emperor''s irritation boiled over. "Finish him Ms. Yoon-ji!" they cheered. Yoon-ji took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing as she decided to end the fight. Her scythe gleamed in the dim light as she swung it with precision. The resulting shockwave was so powerful that all the small axes flying toward her were sent crashing into the walls, shattering upon impact. "It''s over now," she muttered calmly, raising her scythe high into the air, preparing to unleash her ultimate skill. A dark ball of energy began to form at the de''s edge, pulsing ominously with power. The Goblin Emperor, who had been watching her every move, backed away in fear. He thought that she only have two skill but he''s wrong. He realized with growing dread that he couldn''t hit her, no matter how hard he tried. His end was near, and he knew it. As panic surged through him, the Goblin Emperor''s eyes darted around the room, searching for a way out. His gazended on Seojun, who stood calmly in the corner, observing the battle. In that moment, the Goblin Emperor saw something that made his heart skip a beat¡ªabove Seojun''s head, glowing faintly, was the title "Abyss Lord." Before he could even think, he heard a voice in his head. "Don''t speak." The Goblin Emperor froze. ''My lord! Help me! Why are you on their side?! Grant me your power and I''ll present you the head of this humans emperor!'' he cried out in telepathy, panicking as Yoon-ji''s dark energy swelled, growingrger with every passing second. Seojun, unfazed by the Goblin Emperor''s desperation, responded with an amused tone. ''Hmmm, let me think...'' ''Hurry!'' the Goblin Emperor begged, his terror mounting as the dark ball reached its peak, ready to strike. Seojun''s response was cold, final. ''No.'' The Goblin Emperor''s eyes widened in shock at Seojun''s answer. He had no time to react as Yoon-ji unleashed the dark ball of energy. It shot toward him with frightening speed. "NO! This can''t be!" he shouted in panic, raising his massive arms to shield himself from the attack. For a brief moment, he felt nothing. A grin began to form on his monstrous face. "Weak! Guess you have no strengh anymore! " he bellowed triumphantly. "Now it''s my turn! I''m going to kill all of you especially you Abyss Lor¡ª" Before he could finish his words, an explosion rocked his arm, and ck liquid¡ªhis blood¡ªgushed out. "W-What?!" he stammered, his eyes widening in disbelief. Another explosion erupted, this time from his shoulder. Then his right face. And then, his entire body began to rupture, one st after another, each more violent than thest. His flesh tore apart, blood spraying like ck rain as his towering form crumbled. His final thoughts were of confusion and terror, unable toprehend what had just happened. "H-How...?" he thought, his half leftdestroyed face hitting the ground with a dull thud. As thest of the Goblin Emperor''s body exploded, leaving behind nothing but a pool of dark blood and scattered remains, the battlefield fell eerily silent. The half of his face that remained stared lifelessly, his wide eye reflecting the brutal reality of his defeat. Pay, one of the members, approached the dismembered face, a smile spreading across her lips as she crouched down. "That''s Ms. Yoon-ji ''DarkNova'' , Hurts like hell right? hehee" As the severed remains of the Goblin Emperor soared through the air, Pay''s eyes gleamed. Without hesitation, she raised her arm, pointing his fingers toward the airborne piece. "Ice Shard Shot!" she called out, and in an instant, sharp icicles formed at his fingertips,unching at the Goblin''s remains with incredible speed. The shards struck the piece of the Goblin Emperor, freezing it mid-air before it shattered into tiny blue crystals. They scattered like glittering dust across the battlefield, a final testament to the defeated monster. [DUNGEON BOSS DEFEATED] Congrattions! The Abyss Goblin Emperor has been in! - Rewards will be distributed. - Dungeon Exit Unlocked. Please proceed to the nearest portal. As the White screen appeared they cheered and one of the members couldn''t hold back a whistle of admiration. "That''s what you get when you mess with Ms. Yoon-ji and our team." "Ms. Yoon-ji''s DarkNova was unreal," another added, shaking his head in disbelief. "I don''t think anything could''ve survived that." Yoon-ji floated down gracefully, her white hair gently swaying as shended back on the ground. Ji-eun, who had already descended from her violet petals, stood waiting for her. With a soft smile, Ji-eun muttered, "Great job." Yoon-ji returned the smile, calm andposed, and gave a small nod in acknowledgment. Before she could take a breath, the rest of the team rushed over, surrounding her in excitement. Their faces were lit up with admiration, and one of the boys eximed, "Ms. Yoon-ji, that was amazing!" "Your DarkNova was unbelievable!" another added, still in awe of the devastating power she had shown. "Ms. Yoon-ji''s battle dance is the best! No one can move like you!" Yoon-ji stayed calm in the middle of their praises, her expression unchanged, but a small smile yed on her lips. She nodded to each of them, epting theirpliments without saying much. Ji-eun, still standing nearby, crossed her arms and chuckled softly, watching as the team couldn''t help but swarm around Yoon-ji. They knew they were lucky to have her leading the charge, and this victory was proof of that. Ji-eun, still standing nearby, crossed her arms and chuckled softly, amused by her members acting like kids around Yoon-ji. They were all so excited, their praise pouring out as if they''d just witnessed the greatest performance of their lives. But in the middle of the lighthearted moment, a thought crossed her mind. She remembered the Goblin Emperor''s strange behavior earlier¡ªthe way he looked toward a specific corner before shouting something about the "Abyss Lo¡ª" Was that cut off? Was he trying to say "Abyss Lord"? Her curiosity piqued, Ji-eun nced over to the side, where the Goblin Emperor had been looking and he noticed that the boy earlier is nowhere to be seen. At the same moment, Pay turned around, looking for Seojun. "Where did he go?" Pay muttered, scanning the area. "Coward," one of the boys whispered under his breath. "Looks like he left when the door opened." But Pay, always quick to defend, scoffed and shook her head. "That cute boy isn''t a coward! Maybe he''s got ss or something. Or he''s just hungry. You know, priorities." Ji-eun, though, was still stuck on the Goblin Emperor''s strange words. Something about this didn''t sit right with her. Why would a dungeon boss talk about the Abyss Lord? Chapter 155: Chapter 155: Quality time with Mom Seoyang stood outside her house, ncing at the sky with worry in her eyes. It was already dark. She let out a sigh, her thoughts heavy. "It''s dark already... where are you, Seojun?" Just then, the door behind her creaked open, and her brother Shaun stepped out, leaning casually against the doorframe. He shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Tsk tsk tsk, Seojun''s not a kid anymore, Seoyang. Maybe he''s out on a date with his girlfriend." Seoyang frowned, waving him off. "My son doesn''t have a girlfriend, brother... Aish, where is he?" Shaun chuckled, pushing off the door. "Trust me, Seoyang, he''s probably ying with his girl." With augh, Shaun headed back inside, leaving Seoyang to her thoughts. She ignored him, still scanning the street. Momentster, her eyes lit up as a taxi pulled up and stopped right in front of her house. Seojun stepped out with Huno and the taxi drove away. The moment he was out, Seoyang rushed to him, pulling him into a tight hug. "Where did you go, Seojun? Don''t make Mama worried like that. You were gone for two hours!" she said, her voice full of concern. Seojun chuckled softly, hugging his mother back. "I''m sorry, Mom. I got lost. But I bought it¡ªlet''s go inside first, and I''ll show you. It''s cold out here you''ll get sick." "You don''t have to give me a gift, Seojun. All I want is for you to be healthy, okay?" Seoyang replied, her worry slowly melting into a smile. Seojun smiled warmly at his mother, then suddenly turned around and dropped to one knee. "Hop on, Mom," he said, patting his back. "Omo, stand up! We''re not far¡ªyou don''t have to carry me!" Seoyang yfully pped his shoulder. "I want to carry you, Mom. You always carried me when I was small, so let me do it for you too," he said, his voice filled with warmth. Seoyang couldn''t help but smile at her son''s sweet words. Such a good boy, she thought, feeling her heart swell with love. Seoyang hesitated for a moment, but then, with a small smile, she hopped onto Seojun''s back. She immediately felt embarrassed. "I''m too heavy for this... Let me down, Seojun." But Seojun shook his head, smiling. "No, Mom, you''re not heavy at all. I''ve got you." As they entered the house, Seojun''s smile faded slightly, his concern growing. He noticed how light his mother was and felt a pang of worry. "Mom, did you eat today?" he asked gently, his voice tinged with concern. Seoyang sighed softly, resting her chin on his shoulder. "I was waiting for you toe back," she admitted. Seojun''s expression hardened a bit, and he shook his head in frustration. "Mom, you don''t have to wait for me to eat. Please take care of your body. If you get sick because of me, I won''t be able to forgive myself." Seoyangughed at her son''s serious tone. "You worry too much, Seojun." "Mom! I''m not joking," Seojun replied, his voice firm but filled with affection. Seoyang just hugged him tighter, wrapping her arms around his neck. She suddenly noticed that they weren''t heading inside right away¡ªthey were circling the front yard. "Let''s go back in now, Seojun," she said softly. But Seojun shook his head again, holding her a bit tighter. "I want to stay like this for a little longer," he said quietly. "Mom, I promise that one day you''ll live peacefully in this world. I''ll make sure you can have whatever you want." Seoyang chuckled, herughter light and gentle. "Our world has changed, Seojun. It''s no longer peaceful." Seojun''s steps slowed. He knew she was right. The world had be a dangerous ce. But he was determined. "It might not be peaceful now, but I''ll do everything I can to change that. For you. You deserve to live without worrying about anything." Seoyang sighed, touched by her son''s words. "You''re too good to me, Seojun. But don''t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. You can''t protect everyone." "I can try," Seojun said, his voice steady. "I can at least protect you." Seoyang smiled softly, resting her head against his back. "I''m already proud of you, my son. That''s enough for me." Seojun''s heart swelled with emotion, but he didn''t say anything. Instead, he carried her a bit longer in the quiet of the evening, determined to make good on his promise. The next morning, Seojun stood by the car, leaning against it while waiting. In front of him was Alex, holding a paper that Seojun had just handed over. Alex quickly scanned the document to make sure everything was filled out. "I''ll handle this," Alex said, giving a nod. "Just wait for the entrance exam date. And everything you asked for is done, so enjoy your time with Auntie." "Yeah, thanks, Alex," Seojun replied with a smile. Alex then went to his car, gave a quick wave, and drove off. After watching him leave, Seojun turned and opened the door of the car he had been leaning on. He offered his hand to his mother, Seoyang, who was sitting inside. Seoyang chuckled softly at her son''s gentlemanly gesture and took his hand as she stepped out. "You''re bing quite the gentleman," she teased. Seoyang looked around at the building in front of them and asked, "Where are we, Seojun?" Seojun smiled warmly and offered his arm for her to hold. "Ever since you came back, you''ve be so sweet! My baby boy," she joked, pinching his cheek gently. Seojunughed, yfully swatting her hand away. "I''ve always been sweet, Mom. This is the least I can do. I''m really sorry I wasn''t with you for five years." "Aww, that''s okay now. What matters is that you''re here." She squeezed his arm affectionately. "But seriously, where are we?" "Secret," Seojun said with a grin. "You''ll see once we get inside." As they approached the door, Seojun walked ahead and turned back to his mom. "Close your eyes, Mom. No peeking!" Seoyangughed. "Okay, okay!" She closed her eyes, amused. Seojun guided her carefully through the door, cing his hands on her shoulders as he gently pushed her forward. Once they were inside, he closed the door behind them. "You can open your eyes now, Mom," Seojun said softly. Seoyang slowly opened her eyes and gasped, covering her mouth in surprise. Chapter 156: Chapter 156: Quality time with Mom(2) In front of her was a beautiful, peaceful zoo. There was a massive tree in the center, its branches spread wide with colorful flowers blooming all around. Butterflies fluttered through the air, and birds flew in the bright blue sky, their songs filling the peaceful atmosphere. She could hear the yful sounds of monkeys swinging through the trees, the soft ssh of water from a nearby fountain, and the distant call of elephants. The whole area was enclosed by ss walls, making it feel like a magical oasis separate from the outside world. Seoyang stood there, taking it all in, her eyes wide with wonder. "Seojun, this is beautiful... How did you find this ce?" Seojun smiled, happy to see his mother so amazed. "I wanted to bring you somewhere special. You deserve it, Mom." Seoyang wiped a small tear from her eye, smiling warmly at her son. "Thank you, Seojun. This is perfect." As they stood there admiring the peaceful zoo, Seojun suddenly took something out from behind his back. Seoyang''s eyes widened in surprise when she saw what it was ¡ª a bouquet of her favorite flowers. "Seojun!" she gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. "Where did you find these? This flower disappeared five years ago" Seojun grinned, putting a finger to his chin as if deep in thought. "Hmm... secret," he said with a yfulugh. Seoyang yfully pped his arm, shaking her head with a smile. "You and your secrets." She then looked around at the zoo in amazement. "I can''t believe there are still normal animals... didn''t they all evolve and be beasts some are monsters? How did you find these animals?" As if on cue, a butterfly floated gently toward them, and a small birdnded on Seojun''s shoulder, chirping happily. "I got some help from Alex and Alexa," Seojun exined. "But let''s not worry about that. Let''s just enjoy this, Mom." He offered her his arm. "Here, hold on to me. What do you think? Do you like it?" Seoyang smiled brightly. "I don''t like it... I love it! It reminds me of the old times when Mom would always bring us to the zoo," sheughed, taking his arm. They began walking through the peaceful garden, watching as squirrels chased each other yfully. Seojun smiled, feeling happy to see his mom so content. ''I''m d she loves it,'' he thought. ''It took me a month to arrange all this, but it was worth it.'' As they walked, Seojun pointed toward the big tree in the middle. "Remember how Grandma used to sit under that tree, Mom? We always panicked because she''d wander off to ces so hard to find." Seoyang burst intoughter, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia. "How could I forget? Despite her age, she always acted like she was young" They bothughed, enjoying the precious memories while walking hand in hand through the peaceful zoo, feeling as if, just for a moment, the world hadn''t changed at all. Seoyang closed her eyes, taking a deep breath of the fresh air filled with the sweet scent of flowers and the sounds of animals all around them. It felt like they were in paradise. "Seojun, thank you so much for this," she said, a smile spreading across her face. "I almost forgot that Earth was once this peaceful." "Anything for you, Mom," Seojun replied sincerely. He paused for a moment, looking out at the beautiful surroundings before turning back to her. "I wasn''t able to do anything for you back then, but now it''s different." He took a deep breath, gathering his emotions. "Happy 43rd birthday, Mom!" he eximed, a wide smile on his face. Seoyang chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "I thought you forgot! You didn''t greet me when I woke up, and I almost got sad." She pouted yfully, and Seojun scratched the back of his neck, feeling a little embarrassed. "Sorry about that, Mom. But at least I surprised you, right?" he said, trying to lighten the mood. "Yes, you definitely did" she replied, beaming. Seojun''s expression grew more serious. "You know, Mom, this isn''t enough for everything you''ve done for me. You raised me all by yourself, through all the difficulties." Seoyang nodded, her smile fading slightly as she recalled those tough times. "It was hard, but I did it for you, Seojun. You were my everything." "I know," he said, his voice softening. "You sacrificed so much for me, and I can''t ever repay you for that. But I want to make sure you feel loved and appreciated, No more suffering." Tears welled up in Seoyang''s eyes as she pulled him into a tight hug. "You have no idea how much this means to me. Just having you here is the best gift." "I''ll always be here, Mom," Seojun promised, returning her embrace. As they enjoyed chatting and walking around the zoo, Seojun led Seoyang to a small, sparkling river. The water glistened in the sunlight, and they couldn''t resist the temptation to y in it. They sshed each other,ughter echoing through the trees, forgetting their worries in the moment. After some time, they grew tired and sat under arge tree, breathing heavily from their y. The peaceful sounds of nature surrounded them, creating a serene atmosphere. After a moment of silence, Seojun looked up at his mom and said, "Mom, I''m gonna fulfill my dreams that I couldn''t five years ago." Heid his head in herp, feelingforted by her presence. Seoyang smiled down at him and started brushing his hair with her palm. "Oh, about your dream of bing a vet doctor?" she asked gently. Seojun nodded, his eyes shining with determination. "Yeah, I want to help animals. It''s what I''ve always wanted to do." "I''m so proud of my baby! He didn''t forget his dream," she said, her voice filled with warmth and pride. "Well, I almost forgot about it," he admitted. "But when we were in the U.S., I suddenly remembered. It just hit me." Seoyang chuckled softly. "You''re gonna follow your grandma''s path. That''s very good, Seojun, but I don''t think there are many vet doctors left in this world." "Alex said he''d handle it. I filled up the form; I just need to wait for the entrance exam. He said it might take a few weeks," Seojun exined, feeling a surge of hope. Seoyang''s smile widened. "That''s great! I know you can do it. You''ve always been hardworker." She pinch seojun nose. "Thanks, Mom. It means a lot to me," he said, looking up at her. "I just want to make you proud." "You already do," she replied, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "Just remember to take care of yourself while chasing your dreams. You need to stay healthy for me." "I will, Mom," he promised, feeling a sense of warmth and motivation. "And I want you to support me all the way." "Always, My baby boy," she said, her heart swelling with love. Chapter 157: Chapter 157: Dad As they rested under the tree, Seoyang looked at Seojun with a smile. "Isn''t it funny? Isn''t that where you recognized your dream, in the zoo?" she asked,ughing a little. She felt old thinking back on that time. "A scary experience, Mom, yet beautiful," Seojun replied, closing his eyes as he remembered the day. His mind took him back to when he was just 5 years old. It was a sunny day when his grandmother had taken him to the zoo without telling Seoyang. They were having so much fun,ughing and pointing at the animals, until suddenly, everything changed. "Grandma!" Seojun had cried out, watching in horror as she suddenly clutched her chest and copsed. They were far from other people, and little Seojun felt terrified. He didn''t know what to do, so he just hugged her tightly as shey on the ground. Panic washed over him as he stood frozen, unable to understand what was happening. His heart raced as he rushed to her side, hugging her tightly while tears streamed down his cheeks. He felt so small and scared, unsure of what to do as he watched his beloved grandmother lying on the ground. But then, something extraordinary urred. The animals in the nearby enclosures began to stir and make their way toward them. At first, Seojun was terrified; he thought they might eat his grandma. He watched as a massive elephant approached, itsrge frame looming over him. He cried even harder, fearing for his grandmother''s safety. In a miraculous moment, the elephant extended its trunk and gently wiped the tears from Seojun''s face. The warmth of the gesture brought a flicker offort amidst the chaos. The elephant then wrapped its trunk around his grandmother, lifting her effortlessly and cing her on the back of a waiting tiger. As he watched, a flurry of smaller animals¡ªsquirrels, birds, and rabbits¡ªgathered around him, providing an unexpected source offort. Seojun felt a strange calm wash over him as he followed the tiger, which carried his grandmother closer to the nearby crowd of people. When they finally reached a group of people, the tiger lowered his grandmother gently to the ground. Seojun wasted no time in rushing to her side, wrapping his arms around her tightly. The tiger let out a loud roar, startling everyone nearby. Seojun covered his ears, overwhelmed by the noise, but he felt a rush of relief knowing that help had arrived. Seojun looked at his mother and said, "After that, Grandma said that her kindness toward animals had paid off. She wanted me to be like her¡ªa vet doctor." He stopped and continue "That moment made me realize how important it is to care for animals, just like Grandma cared for them. I want to be there for them when they''re sick or in trouble to give them the love and care they deserve." Seoyang pouted, her brow furrowing. "Howe I never knew that happened?" she asked, her voiceced with curiosity. Seojunughed softly as he settled down beside her. "Because Grandma knew you would get angry that she took me to the zoo without your permission," he exined. "After the incident, she was rushed to the hospital, and when she woke up, it was as if nothing had happened. She drag me home right away." "Tsk! You two were so lucky that day. My work extended," Seoyang said, flicking Seojun''s forehead yfully. Heughed again but then sighed, the mood shifting slightly. "I miss Grandma, Mom," Seojun said, his voice quieter. He felt a wave of sadness wash over him, remembering how his grandmother had passed away just a year after that day. "I miss her too," Seoyang replied, her tone softening. "But look up here, Seojun. Mom is happy in heaven, watching us. She would be really d that you grew up to be a fine man and that you''ll finally be able to fulfill her death wish, to be a Vet doctor." As she hugged Seojun tightly and patted his back, he feltforted. He knew she was right. His grandmother had always believed in him, and now, with his dreams within reach, After a moment of silence, Seoyang spoke softly, "Don''t you miss your dad?" Seojun let go of the hug and asked, "Why are you suddenly asking, Mom?" "I''ve been thinking. You never ask where your dad is. Why is that?" Seoyang replied, her voice gentle but serious. Seojun went quiet, his mind drifting back to a night when he was very sick, a little child. He couldn''t go to the hospital because they don''t have the money to pay. After his mother fed him, she went to the kitchen and took a long time toe back. Worried, he pushed himself up and peeked outside. What he saw broke his heart. His mother was kneeling on the ground, crying hard. "Mom, I know you''re watching us! Please don''t take my son away from me!" she begged, her voice full of desperation. "Ethan, please help us!" Little Seojun''s heart sank as he heard the name "Ethan." He knew that name, his hearing it to her mom while looking at a picture. He felt tears streaming down his face as he watched his mother in such pain, begging for help. He couldn''t help but cry, seeing her so heartbroken. The sight of her desperation made him feel helpless. In that moment. "Mom¡­" Little Seojun whispered, his voice trembling. He didn''t know what to say, but he wanted tofort her. He felt a mixture of sadness and confusion, wishing he could take away her pain. Little Seojun turned around and walked slowly to the kitchen. He grabbed a stool and used it to reach the shelf where the soup was. As he stood there, tears still rolling down his cheeks and took the bowl. While eating, he muttered to himself, "I don''t want to get sick again. I''m going to eat vegetables and all I can so my sickness will go away." Each spoonful felt like a promise to himself. He wanted to feel strong and healthy. Seojun smiled softly and said, "I know he''s dead, Mom." Seoyang was about to speak, but Seojun quickly added, "I don''t want to talk about him." Hearing this made Seoyang sad, but she managed to smile. They both understood it was a difficult topic. Instead of dwelling on it, they continued to enjoy their time together,ughing and sharing stories. After they got home, Seojun could smell delicious food wafting through the air. The living room was decorated with balloons and streamers, creating a festive atmosphere. Seoyang''s brother, Alex, Alexa, their grandpa, and the butler were all there, waiting to celebrate Seoyang''s birthday. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" they all shouted as Seoyang walked in. Her eyes widened in joy. "Thank you, everyone! and Chairman!" Seoyang bowed, her face lighting up with happiness. Seojun watched with a smile as his mom hugged everyone, feeling grateful for this special moment. They all gathered around the table filled with food: cakes, pastries, and her favorite dishes. As they celebrated,ughter filled the room, and Seojun felt a warmth in his heart. This was a day of happiness, surrounded by family and love. Chapter 158: Chapter 158: Its between us As the day passed, Seojun spent a lot of time with his mom, making up for the five years they had been apart. He cherished every moment, taking her out and enjoying their time together. A week went by, and Seojun was sitting at the table, reading a book about beasts that Alexa had given him. He pretended to be focused on the pages, but he couldn''t help sneaking nces at his mom. She was in the kitchen holding a phone and talking with someone, and as soon as she turned around, he quickly dropped the book on his face, pretending to be asleep. He heard her footsteps as she left the room. [So possessive, host] his system teased. Huno, his three-headed dog, barked and wagged his tail in agreement. "Shh, I''m not being possessive, okay? I''m fine if Mom finds someone, but she should have told me first," Seojun muttered. Curiosity got the better of him and he quietly followed his mom. He reached the gate and peeked outside. To his surprise, he saw his mother talking to a man who was fully covered, almost as if he were hiding. Seojun closed his book, "Ha! Mom is keeping secrets from me," Then he watched as the man hugged his mom and kissed her forehead. Anger bubbled up inside him. "Hey!" he shouted, unable to contain himself. Both his mom and the man jumped in surprise. The man immediately turned and ran away, and Seojun hurried over to his mom. "Mom!" he called out. "Mom, who was that guy?" Seojun asked, trying to sound serious. His mom looked flustered and tried to deny it. "Oh, it was nothing! Just a friend, Seojun," she said quickly, avoiding his question. Seojun crossed his arms and acted like a kid, pouting. "A friend? You didn''t tell me about this friend, Mom..." Seoyangughed, seeing his childish reaction. "Come on, it''s not a big deal! Let it go!" But Seojun wasn''t satisfied. "No way You have to tell me!" Suddenly, Seoyang turned and ran inside the house,ughing. Seojun couldn''t resist. He chased after her, running through the yard. "Mom, wait up!" he shouted, giggling as he tried to catch her. They ended up ying a game of chase, running around the house. The next day, Seojun was sitting under a tree in their yard, peacefully reading a book. His mother, Seoyang, was tending to the nts and flowers, watering them gently. [She managed to grow the flower you gave her, host,] his system chimed in. "Hmm, that''s probably just Mom''s nature," Seojun said, smiling. "She values anything that''s given to her. Look at this house. It''s too big for just the two of us, and it''s expensive to maintain, but now, money isn''t a problem anymore." He yawned and stretched, feeling rxed. "So peaceful," he whispered to himself. Just then, Nymira, in her cat form, jumped down from the tree andnded on Seojun''sp. He flinched in surprise as Si crawled down after her, the two running around in yful mischief. Huno, their loyal dog, followed Seoyang, wagging his tail happily. Seoyang bent down one of the flowers and yfully brought it close to Huno''s nose. As he sniffed it, he sneezed loudly, causing Seoyang to burst intoughter. Huno barked happily, his tail wagging even harder. Seojun was sittingfortably under the tree, enjoying his book, when his system spoke up. [An update today, Host. Lord Grimzark is currently at Lady Sirenith''s Domain.] "Looks like she''s babysitting Grimzark," Seojun chuckled. "What happened to the Abyss monsters? Did any of them get in here?" [Si''s clones have taken care of them, Host. There''s nothing to worry about,] Seojun nodded, feeling at ease, but a shadow suddenly loomed over him. Peeking over his book, he saw his mother standing in front of him. She sat down beside him, and he closed his book, looking at her curiously. "Yes, Mom?" he asked. "Oh, you closed the book. You won''t be able to find your ce now," Seoyang teased. "It''s okay, Mom. I want to focus all my attention on you. Is something wrong? Do you want to buy something? Just tell me, and I''ll get it for you," Seojun said, about to stand up, but his mother shook her head, stopping him. "Sit down...it''s nothing like that," she smiled, though there was a hint of hesitation in her eyes. "What is it, Mom? Are you hurt?" Seojun''s voice grew a little worried. Seoyang smiled again, but it was clear she was thinking about something. "Did you go into the basement recently? Maybe you saw a small book down there?" she asked, her tone casual but with a hint of curiosity. [She''s talking about my book form,] the system remarked quietly. Seojun shook his head. "No, I haven''t seen any small book, Mom. Why?" "Oh, nothing. Just wondering," she said, standing up and giving a reassuring smile. "You can continue reading." She then walked back into the house. [Why didn''t you tell her that you inherited me, Host?] Seojun leaned back against the tree, staring up at the sky as his thoughts swirled. He sighed softly, knowing there were things he couldn''t share with his mother just yet. "If Mom knew I inherited you, she''d be worried," [Worried?] Seojun nodded, his gaze distant. "Yeah. You see, when I was younger, Mom used to tell me bedtime stories. One of them was about a girl who had a book that granted her incredible power. I know now she was talking about herself. In the story, the girl gained so much strength but she also faced danger and fear because of it." "If she knew I had inherited something as powerful and dangerous as you, it would only bring her more stress. She''d probably try to take on more responsibility, worrying about what could happen to me." he added Seojun closed his eyes for a moment, remembering the warmth of his mother''s voice as she told him those stories long ago. "I can''t let her carry that burden again." He sighed. "For now, it''s just between us." [Understood, Host.] Seojun nced toward the house where his mother had disappeared, a small smile ying on his lips. "I''ll tell her when the time is right. But not now." Chapter 159: Chapter 159: The Beast Sanctuary Nymira, in her fluffy white cat form with shimmering blue eyes, approached Seojun as he sat under the tree. Her soft paws barely made a sound as she settled down in front of him, her small frame adorned with a delicate ne that Seoyang had gifted her. The ne gleamed in the sunlight, adding to her regal appearance. "I have a favor, Master," she spoke softly. Seojun, still absorbed in his book, nced at her briefly. "Hmm?" he hummed in response, not fully looking away from the pages. Nymira tilted her head slightly. "Can I leave for a while? There''s a problem going on in the Beast Sanctuary. Not just in USA but here as well. As the Mother of Familiars I have to fix this." At her words, Seojun finally closed his book and looked at her properly. Nymira''s white fur seemed to glow under the afternoon light, and her calm blue eyes stared back at him. "You don''t have to ask," Seojun said, a soft smile forming on his lips. "It''s your responsibility to take care of these things." Nymira bowed her head slightly in gratitude. "Thank you, Master. I will return as soon as everything is resolved." Seojun nodded, watching as Nymira stood up and turned to leave. He trusted herpletely. "Be careful out there, Nymira," he added. She nced back at him, her eyes filled with determination. "I will, Master." With that, she leaped gracefully, disappearing into the trees, Seojun sat under the tree, feeling the peaceful breeze. He raised his hand and summoned a small dark me that flickered gently in his palm. With a soft smile, he guided it down toward the ground. As soon as the me touched the earth, it transformed into a perfect replica of Nymira¡ªa white cat with fluffy fur and bright blue eyes. "That should do it," Seojun murmured, satisfied with the result. This version of Nymira would act as a substitute while the real one was away handling her duties. Just then, the door to the house opened, and his mother, Seoyang, stepped out. She looked around and spotted the ''Nymira'' sitting on the ground. With a warm smile, she walked over and picked up the cat. "Feeding time!" Seoyang said happily as she cuddled the white cat in her arms. Not far behind, Si and Huno followed her, eager for their turn at some food. Seojun watched from a distance. He wanted to make sure his mother wouldn''t worry about Nymira''s sudden absence. The fake Nymira acted and looked exactly like the real one and it was enough to keep his mother happy. As Seoyang fed the animals, "It''s impressive that Huno, Si, and Nymira can all speak now." He muttered [It''s all because of your max-level host. It took them a while to speak because they were adjusting,] the system exined. Even though they were granted the ability to speak when they became Seojun''s guardians, the system forbade them from speaking to encourage Seojun''s mental and emotional growth. While the guardians could help him inbat, the system believed that by limiting verbalmunication, Seojun would be forced to rely more on his intuition, problem-solving skills, and independence outside of battle. This way, he could grow stronger not just physically, but mentally as well, without bing overly dependent on their guidance. He leaned back against the tree, watching his mom enjoy her time with his guardians and Everything seemed peaceful for now. Suddenly, his phone buzzed against his thigh, he answered the call without looking at the screen. "Who?" [Hey, it''s me, Alex! Save my number, will you? Anyway, Seojun, do you have more of that crystal?] "Yeah, why?" Seojun replied, opening the book and start reading again. [Well, you see the crystal is used up and all the animals have turned back into beasts. We''re trying to make more of the crystal but it shattered. So maybe I can have one?] In the ce where he brought his mother for her birthday, the animals are actually beasts; no ordinary animals exist since 1 year ago. He had used a crystal called the Dreamstone to suppress them and keep them in their ordinary form. Since the Dreamstone has shattered, it means it only had a shelf life of five days before losing its power. "Yeah, why not?" [Thanks, Seojun! Maybe this can help us in some other way,] "Take Alexa ande here. You can get as much as you want," Seojun offered. "Sure, We''ll be there soon!" Meanwhile, Nymira, in her white, fluffy cat form, took a few minutes to travel using the wind, floating gently through the air until she arrived at the Beast Sanctuary in USA. As she descended slowly, she noticed something was wrong. The atmosphere felt tense, and a thin fog hung in the air. As she walked toward the entrance, her sharp blue eyes caught sight of a group of people. They were awakeners¡ªindividuals with special powers¡ªarguing with the two guards stationed at the sanctuary''s entrance. One of the awakeners, a tall man with an angry expression, shouted, "It''s been a few weeks! Why are you still forbidding us to enter?!" A woman beside him added, "She''s right! I need to get a familiar now! This is ridiculous!" Another person joined in, "You keep saying it''s for our safety, but we can handle ourselves. Let us in!" The guards stood firm, shaking their heads. "I''m sorry but the Beast Sanctuary is closed for now. No one is allowed to enter. It''s too dangerous." "Too dangerous?!" one of the awakeners yelled, "We''ve been training for this! We need familiars to grow stronger. You can''t just block us like this!" Nymira stayed silent as she observed the scene. She could feel the frustrationing from the awakeners, and the tension was growing. Something serious was happening in the sanctuary, and it was clear these people were desperate to get inside. As the two guards struggled to hold back the frustrated awakeners, they were saved only by a protective barrier that prevented anyone from entering. The crowd was growing louder and more impatient, pushing against the invisible wall. Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Beastmaster Nymira, ready to leave and head deeper into the sanctuary, suddenly paused. She heard a familiar voice¡ªdeep andmanding. She turned around, sat quietly, and watched. "Enough," the voice boomed. Instantly, the crowd fell silent. The man stepped forward, and Nymira immediately recognized him. It was the second-ranked awakener of Korea, a man whose presence alone was enough to make people hesitate. Whispers erupted among them, rippling through the crowd like wildfire. "It''s Thomas Valve!" "The Beastmaster! Maybe he can help us enter the Beast Sanctuary!" "What brings him here?" He walked up to the two guards, his expression calm but serious. "The Beast Sanctuary is unstable," he said firmly, his voice cutting through the air. "The situation inside is more dangerous than you can handle. We''re still figuring out how to stabilize the area, but until then, no one¡ªabsolutely no one¡ªgoes in." One of the awakeners, her voice shaking slightly with fear but still determined, spoke up. "But...we can manage. We''re not awakeners for nothing." Thomas nced at the awakener who said they could manage, his eyes narrowing. "If you want to die, be my guest," he said coldly. "See that guy over there?" He pointed towards a tree not far away, where a wounded awakener was slumped against it, his face pale. Healers were frantically working on him, but it was clear he was in bad shape¡ªhis arm had beenpletely severed. "That fool ignored our warnings, He thought he could handle it too. If you want to end up like him, then go ahead." Without hesitation, He reached out and touched the barrier. A small hole opened up, just big enough for a person to pass through. "You''re free to enter if you''re that confident," he said, stepping aside. His voice was calm, but the warning in his words was unmistakable. The crowd fell silent, their eyes shifting between the injured man and the opening in the barrier. Thomas let the silence linger for a moment before the hole in the barrier slowly closed again. "Think carefully before you act," he said, his voice softer but still filled with authority. "This isn''t a game. If you value your life, you''ll wait." Thomas looked out at the crowd, his expression firm but understanding. "Listen up, everyone," he said, his voice steady. "You have two choices: go home or take on a quest. Either way, you need to leave the Floating Zone. This Sanctuary is too dangerous right now." The crowd exchanged nervous nces, fear evident in their eyes. They all remembered the wounded awakener by the tree. The thought of facing whatevery within the Sanctuary was terrifying, and thest thing they wanted was to provoke Thomas. "Are we really going to just go home?" one of them whispered, uncertainty creeping into their voice. "Do you want to risk Thomas''s wrath?" another replied, shaking their head. Without another word, the group began to move toward the portal that would take them off the Floating Zone. The fear of what Thomas might do if they didn''tply loomed heavily over them. They stepped through the shimmering portal, leaving the Sanctuary behind. As thest of the crowd vanished, Thomas sighed heavily. From his shadow, a magnificent wolf emerged, its form ethereal and stunning. The wolf had shimmering fur that shifted colors like the night sky, dotted with bright, star-like spots. Its eyes glowed a soft silver, and its presence exuded both power and grace. "Just five months ago, this Beast Sanctuary appeared and now it attracts so much attention," Thomas muttered, shaking his head as he watched the crowd disappear. A woman approached him, her demeanor confident. She was a top 7 ranker named Rachel Bte. "Hmm, beast familiars are gaining fame," she said, crossing her arms. "Looks like this will change how the world sees tamers as the weakest." "Yeah, now they can see how powerful a tamer can be," Thomas agreed, but his mind was elsewhere. "By the way, where is Lauren? She''s been missing for days since the PvP." "Eh, how would I know?" Rachel shrugged, ncing at Thomas''s wolf. "It''s still ufortable to see the beast that almost killed you by your side." "If not for that near-death experience, I wouldn''t have received the Goddess''s blessing," Thomas replied, a hint of pride in his voice. "Goddess Zyraena saved me." Rachel raised an eyebrow. "I get that, but it still feels strange. You were lucky to survive, and now you have a powerful familiar." Thomas nodded, watching the wolf as it circled him, its eyes gleaming with intelligence. "I know it''s unusual," he said, "but this wolf is a part of me now. And we''ll make sure the Beast Sanctuary is safe for everyone." Nymira turned around to continue why she''s there,. Thomas immediately turned his head sensing something a flicker of something in his eyes. "What''s wrong?" Rachel asked, noticing the tension. "Ah, I think I saw a cat by the entrance door," Thomas replied, trying to brush it off. Rachel raised an eyebrow. "You must be tired. There are no cats around anymore," she said, reaching into her bag and pulling out a piece of meat, which she offered to Thomas''s wolf. The wolf eagerly epted, its starry fur shimmering in the light. "Probably but you''re wrong in that, Rachel. I really did see one¡ªa ragdoll cat¡ªin the GoTube. And a Rottweiler, too." Rachel''s eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, so there really are ordinary animals left? Why don''t we visit Korea? We could check on Jonathan and the new Mystic Union. I also need to enchant my new weapon." "Good idea," Thomas said, nodding thoughtfully. "It''ll be great to see what Jonathan has been up to." Rachel grinned, her excitement palpable. "I''ve heard he''s been working on some amazing new enchantments. I can''t wait to try them out!" Nymira walked quietly through the forest, her eyes scanning the surroundings. The atmosphere felt so different¡ªtense and thick, as if something was watching her. The trees swayed slightly in the breeze, and the ground beneath her feet was soft with fallen leaves. Chapter 161: Chapter 161: Mother of Familiars to the rescue Suddenly, without warning, she felt somethinging her way. Acting fast, Nymira jumped back just in time to avoid being hit by a massive tree branch that mmed into the ground with a heavy thud. Breathing quickly, Nymiranded on one of the massive trees nearby, bncing on a branch. As the dust began to settle, she squinted through the haze. There, standing in the clearing, was a creature¡ªa brown fox with orange in the end of it''s tails and foot. the same size as her when she shifted into her cat form. But this was no ordinary fox. The fox had five long, bushy tails, each one raised high. Above each tail hovered an elemental sphere: a swirling ball of air, a flickering me of fire, a shimmering drop of water, a solid ball of earth, and a cold, crackling sphere of ice. The fox was biting into the tree, using it to m the ground moments earlier. Nymira''s eyes narrowed as she took a closer look at the five-tailed fox. There was something oddly familiar about it. Then, it clicked. "Wait," Nymira whispered to herself, her eyes widening. "It can''t be... Is that you, Dashiell?" She stepped forward cautiously and called out, "Dashiell! It''s me, Nymira!" But before she could say anything more, the five-tailed fox suddenly unleashed all five elements above her tails. The air ball spun rapidly toward Nymira, followed by the fire, water, earth, and ice. Each attack was swift and powerful, aimed directly at her. Nymira acted quickly. She dodged the swirling ball of air by leaping sideways, feeling the wind rush past her. As the fireball came next, she summoned her own fire and created a me wall in front of her, the two fires crashing into each other and canceling out. Without a moment to breathe, the water ball came at her, but Nymira skillfully redirected the water by forming a water shield, sending the attack sshing harmlessly into the ground. The earth ball followed, and she stomped her foot on the ground, causing the earth around her to rise and block the iing rock. Finally, the ice ball shot toward her, but Nymira formed an icy barrier of her own, freezing the air around her to block the ice attack. The ice shattered upon impact, sparkling in the sunlight like crystals. Nymiranded gracefully back on the ground. "Dashiell!" she shouted again, trying to reach the fox. "It''s really me, Nymira! Why are you attacking me?" The dust settled, and Dashiell stood there, her tails still raised but his eyes focused intently on Nymira. Nymira watched Dashiell closely, noticing the dark aura that surrounded him. His red eyes glowed unnaturally, a sign that something was seriously wrong. Something is off. This must be wrong with the heart, she thought, panic rising within her. She knew she had to act fast before Dashiell caused serious destruction to the Sanctuary. Just then, a small bird-like beast flew down andnded on a branch nearby. "Nymira! You came!" it chirped, pping its tiny wings excitedly. "What happened here? Why is Dashiell acting strange?" Nymira asked, urgency in her voice. The little bird looked worried. "You must restrain him, Nymira! Not just him, but all of the beasts! When you left, your aura disappeared, and the aura that was stored in the heart is used up. Now it''s sucking the beasts'' mana and making them go berserk!" Before Nymira could respond, Dashiell jumped at her, his ws extended and ready to strike. Nymira quickly jumped to the next tree, narrowly avoiding the attack. "Dashiell, stop!" she shouted, but he didn''t seem to hear her. Instead, he swung his tail and unleashed a st of ice that covered the entire tree, freezing it instantly. Nymira transformed into her massive Fenrir form, her nine tails swaying majestically behind her. As Dashiell prepared to leap at her again, she mmed one of her tails down onto the ground. Vines erupted from the earth, coiling around Dashiell and restraining him tightly. "Let''s go," she said, her voice powerful andmanding. With Dashiell trapped, she began to run toward the heart of the Sanctuary, knowing that was where she could restore bnce. The little bird followed closely, urging her on. "We need to reach the heart quickly! It''s the only way to save Dashiell and the other beasts if they gone out of the sanctuary, the awakeners will kill them to level-up." Nymira ran as fast as she could, She could feel the ground shaking beneath her paws as they raced through the forest. Nymira and the little bird reached a dark cave, the entrance shrouded in an eerie ck mist. Dark energy radiated from within, making the air thick and heavy. Outside the cave, many beastsy asleep, their bodies twitching as if they were having nightmares. As Nymira approached the cave, the beasts stirred and suddenly awoke. They saw her as a threat and immediately charged at her, growling and baring their teeth. In a split second, she mmed one of her massive tails onto the ground. Vines erupted from the earth, snaking out and wrapping tightly around each beast that rushed at her. No one was able to escape the grasp of the vines. The little bird, overwhelmed by the dark miasma in the cave, fell to the ground beside her. "S-save us, Nymira!" it chirped weakly, struggling to breathe in the heavy air. Nymira nodded. With the beasts restrained, she focused on the source of the dark miasma within the cave. It pulsed like a heartbeat, drawing energy from the beasts and twisting them into a frenzied state. She moved cautiously into the cave, the dark mist swirling around her. The further she went, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. Nymira could feel the weight of the darkness pressing down on her, but she refused to back down. She had to save Dashiell and the other beasts before it was toote. She won''t allowed beast became Awakeners way to level up. Chapter 162: Chapter 162: Dungeon in Mall Nymira walked deeper into the cave and easily passed through the heavy miasma. Each step felt lighter as she got closer to the source of the darkness. Soon, she stood in front of a massive crystal that pulsed with dark energy. Taking a deep breath, Nymira stepped forward and pressed her forehead against the cold surface of the crystal. She closed her eyes and let the crystal absorb her mana. It hurt, but she pushed through the pain. As she channeled her mana into the crystal, she felt the heavy miasma begin to retreat. The dark energy started to fade away. Outside the cave, the beasts that had been berserking slowly regained their senses. The dark mist swirled around her, but Nymira stayed focused. She wanted to cleanse the sanctuary of the dark influence. With each moment, the heart responded to her mana, glowing brighter with each pulse. The miasma shrank further, pushed back by her will and the returning spirits of the beasts. As Nymira kept giving her mana, the crystal changed. The dark energy began to disappear, reced by a warm light. The more mana she gave, the more the heart transformed, moving from a dark, scary presence to a source of hope. Chapter: A New Beginning As Nymira finished channeling her mana into the crystal, she fell to the ground, breathing heavily. The cave was now calm, and the heavy miasma had disappeared. One by one, the beasts began to enter the cave, their eyes shining with excitement as they saw her. "Thank you, Nymira! You saved us again!" one of the bird beasts called out. Some of the other beasts nodded in agreement, their expressions filled with gratitude. Nymira felt a rush of energy as some of the beasts gave her their mana to help replenish what she had lost. Other bird beasts flew in, bringing sacred water hidden deep within the cave. This water was known for its ability to restore mana. Feeling her strength return, Nymira let out a powerful roar, and the sound echoed through the cave, making all the beasts excited. "You''re all my family," Nymira said, her voice warm and filled with love. "Even if you''re not my blood rtives, we are still family. I promise that I will protect you all, okay?" The bird beast that had spoken earlier replied, "We''re really thankful you came. Now everything is back to normal!" Just then, several foxes ran over to Nymira. In her Fenrir form, she wasrge and fluffy, and they cuddled against her. The other beasts made way as Dashiell approached, his ears and tails down. Nymira could see the guilt in his eyes. He probably remembered what he did, she thought. Knowing that Dashiell hadn''t meant to attack her, she leaned down and licked his face and head gently. It was her way of saying it was okay; she forgave him. Feeling her affection, Dashiell''s tail started to wag, and his ears perked up. He jumped around, excited and happy, nuzzling against his mom. The other beasts watched, their hearts filled with joy, knowing that peace had returned to their sanctuary. They were safe again, and Nymira was there to protect them all. After regaining her strength, Nymira and the beasts left the cave together. The sunlight streamed through the trees, filling the area with warmth and light. As they stepped outside, Nymira took a moment to look around and ensure that everything was calm. "I need to make sure this never happens again," She focused her energy and began to create a powerful barrier around the cave. The air shimmered as the barrier took shape, sealing the cave from any outside dangers. Once the barrier wasplete, Nymira pulled out the special crystals that Seojun had given her before. He had exined that these crystals could permanently store mana, and they would be very useful in case the heart ever ran low on energy again. Carefully, she ced the crystals around the cave''s entrance. "These will help," she said to the other beasts. "If the heart ever needs more mana, it can draw from these crystals." As she finished cing thest crystal, a warm glow surrounded the area, and the barrier pulsed with energy. The beasts cheered, feeling the safety of their home restored. "Now, The sanctuary is safe with or without me," Nymira dered, smiling at her family of beasts. Seojun sat in a quiet caf¨¦ in the 2nd floor of the mall, wearing a mask he had used during the PvP in the U.S. This time, however, it had a different function. The mask created an illusion, making him look like a different person, his voice and with white hair. He nced around the caf¨¦, ensuring no one recognized him. [Host, you look like a creep,] his system remarked, breaking the silence. "Shut up, system. I''m just making sure that mom is safe with that guy," he replied, his eyes fixed on a table three tables away. His mother, Seoyang was seated with a man wearing a cap and a mask. Seojun watched as theyughed and chatted. He felt a twinge of jealousy seeing her so happy. [See, host? You really are a creep,] the system teased. "Quiet, they''re leaving," he said, his heart racing. He quickly stood up and follow them. [Host, please approach Lady Seoyang and ask her] the system urged as they walked behind his mother and the man, who had his arm casually draped over her shoulders. "Are you that obsessed with my mother? Just wait, I want Mom to tell me who he is and what their rtionship," Seojun murmured under his breath. [I''m not obsessed; I just admire Lady Seoyang,] the system replied, slightly defensive. "Denial. You were so happy when you told me about some of mom''s adventures with you," [Please don''t use me, host,] Seojun took a deep breath. He had to know if this guy was trustworthy. "What if he''s a bad person? I can''t let anything happen to her," he thought. Just as Seojun was about to call out to his mother thinking that he should ask her, a loud rm red through the mall. A red warning screen suddenly appeared above him, shing brightly. [WARNING! WARNING!] A-RANK DUNGEON HAS APPEARED. ALL NON-AWAKENED PERSONNEL EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY! Chapter 163: Chapter 163: She did that? [WARNING! WARNING!] A-RANK DUNGEON HAS APPEARED. ALL NON-AWAKENED PERSONNEL EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY! Panic spread through the crowd. People murmured in confusion. "What''s going on?!" someone asked. "Why here?!" The noise grew louder as more people pushed against each other. "This can''t be happening!" a woman yelled, clutching her child tightly. "Why is this happening in the non-awakened area?" another voice cried. "There are so many people here!" He could feel the fear all around me as people rushed toward the exits, their footsteps echoing in the mall. Screams broke out, filling the air with a sense of danger. "Everyone, stay calm!" a voice said over the inte, but it didn''t help. "Please evacuate in an orderly manner!" "Orderly? Are you serious?" a young man shouted, rushing toward the nearest exit. "We''re all going to die!" A desperate scream rang out as a mother lost her grip on her son''s hand in the crowd. "Jordan! Come back!" she cried, panic in her voice as she pushed her way through the throngs of people. "Get to the back!" someone shouted, pointing toward a hallway. "They''reing this way!" "Who''sing?" a woman yelled, her voice filled with terror. "What do we do?" "We can''t stay here!" a man yelled, looking pale as he pushed through the crowd. "We need to get out now!" As the rm echoed through the mall. Before he could react, the ground beneath him shook violently. An earthquake. His first thought was his mother. Without hesitation, Seojun activated his skill, instantly appearing beside his mom and he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him. "Hey! What the?!" the man beside her shouted in confusion, stepping back. Seoyang, surprised, tried to pull away, but before she could ask who he was, the floor beneath them cracked. The second floor began to copse. Seojun held his mother tightly, shielding her with his body as they both fell. Dust and debris filled the air, and Seoyang, still in shock, couldn''t process what had just happened. "Who... who are you?" she stammered, her voice shaky as theynded on the ground below. Seojun didn''t answer right away, focusing on keeping them both safe as the ceiling above them groaned, ready to fall. ''I don''t want Mom to get angry to me because I''m stalking them'' he thought. As the earthquake is gone, dust filled the air, making it hard to see. Seojun stood up, coughing slightly as he scanned the chaos around him. People were screaming, running in all directions, terrified. Some were stumbling over fallen debris while others tried to help those trapped under rubble. The guy with seoyang pulled her away from him, his eyes filled with suspicion. "What do you think your doing?!" the man shouted, stepping between them. Seojun ignored him, his gaze fixed on Seoyang. "Please, leave the mall," he urged, his voice calm despite the panic around them. "B-But who are you?" Seoyang asked, her voice shaking with fear and confusion. "It doesn''t matter right now. Let''s just leave, now." Seojun said firmly, pushing the two of them toward the exit. Just as they started to run, a deafening screech echoed through the mall. Seojun''s eyes widened as several insect-like monsters burst through the floor, their huge, spiny legs smashing everything in their path. The creatures moved fast, shing through anyone in their way. Seojun sense that it''s not safe in there and grabbed both Seoyang and the man. In an instant, they teleported back to the second floor, away from the monsters. Everything is in Chaos, People were screaming and scrambling to escape as more of the insect monsters crawled through the building, tearing through walls and crushing anyone in their path. Seojun could see bodies on the ground, some already lifeless, others desperately trying to crawl away. The insect monsters that filled the mall were terrifying, resembling giant mutated mantises. Their sharp, scythe-like forearms glistened under the dim light, ready to slice through anything in their path. Their elongated bodies were armored with a hard, ck exoskeleton, and their wings beat furiously, creating strong gusts of wind that sent people flying. The creatures had long antennae that twitched as they searched for movement, and their glowing green eyes seemed to scan the area with deadly focus. "Let''s go there!" the man with Seoyang pointed and shouted. It was the only ce that wasn''t crawling with insect-like monsters. As they rushed forward, Seoyang spotted an elderly couple struggling amidst the chaos. Without thinking, she sprinted toward them. "Seoyang No!" the man shouted, panic in his voice. At the same moment, Seojun cursed under his breath, "Shit!" A massive mantis was about to strike the couple. In an instant, Seojun teleported,nding between them and the mantis. Just as he to kick the monster and flew away he noticed that before it flew away. A gust of wind sliced through the air, severing the mantis''s arm. He frowned as he turned, spotting his mother lowering her hand casually. The man ran over, helping the elderly couple to their feet and guiding them into the supermarket. ''Did... Mother just do that?'' Seojun thought, still in shock. [Yes, host. It seems Lady Seoyang is hiding a lot from us.] As Seojun, Seoyang, and they guy with her rushed into the supermarket, the buzzing grew louder. They entered, several people came flying toward them, thrown by the powerful gusts from the monsters'' wings. Seojun''s eyes widened as he saw people mmed into walls, their bodies crashing with terrifying force. Seojun quickly cast a barrier around his mother and the elder couple, shielding her from the chaos. The barrier shimmered for a moment as one person crashed into it but bounced off harmlessly. The guy with Seoyang wasn''t as fortunate. One of the people hurled through the air by the mantises'' wings struck him directly, sending him sprawling to the ground. "John!" Seoyang screamed, her voice filled with panic, as she rushed to his side. Both of them were now on the floor, trying to get back up as the monstrous mantises moved closer, their deadly scythes slicing through the air, ready to attack anyone in their way. Chapter 164: Chapter 164: Save people Seojun watched his mother anxiously. He didn''t want her to witness the violence he was about to unleash or risk her getting traumatized. Summoning Huno would only recognize him and if Huno'' original form it''ll just scare her, so he decided on a different approach. He walked over to his mother and opened a shimmering portal beside her. "This is a way outside. Go now before it''s toote," "No! How can I just leave the people here? I can''t just let the others die before the awakeners arrive." Seoyang muttered as she look around. Seojun was taken aback¡ªthis was the first time he''d seen his mother like this. "Then what do you want?" he asked, his tone cold even though deep inside, he wanted nothing more than to hug her and get her out of there. "Do something with the monsters. I can feel you''re strong and We''ll gather others to the safest area. I can''t just leave to save myself and we can find our way out." she said seriously. John, still coughing, adjusted his cap, and Seoyang helped him to his feet. "We have to save the others," John said, standing shakily but resolutely beside her. Seojun frowned, took a deep breath. ''What am i gonna do to you Mom?'' [Follow what she said Host, I''ve been with Lady Seoyang before and she''s not the type of person to let others die in front of her without doing anything, Even old age won''t stop here] Seojun scanned the area. In the distance, a massive mantis grabbed a man who was running, bit into his neck, and began devouring him and look back to them. "Then leave, hurry. I''ll handle this," and the portal dissapeared, Seoyang smiled softly at him. "Thank you! Your mother would be really proud to you. Be careful after we got out we''ll immediately call for backup. Let''s go, John!" she said, and the two ran out of the supermarket, heading for safety. Seoyang saw a kid and immediately grab him, they began helping the others. ''What would you do if it''s me? Your son?'' he thought, [It would be different, Host Lady Seoyang no doubt will sacrifice herself for you,] "I know, That''s why i didn''t tell her it''s me" he muttered, Just as they left, another huge mantis appeared in front of Seojun, its deadly scythes raised. The insect hissed, ready to strike. [Host, defeat the boss and this will be over,] Seojun touched his earring and muttered, "Protect Mom, and don''t get caught." On the other side, Si, hidden in Seoyang''s pocket, responded in a confident tone, "Madam will never get hurt because I''m here, Master! You can rely on me." Si manipted his weight so Seoyang wouldn''t notice his presence. As Seoyang and John ran, a mantis started flying toward them, its wings buzzing loudly. Just then, Si peeked his head out and shot an ice beam, the freezing st hitting the mantis directly. Its head exploded in a burst of frozen shards, its glowing eyes shattering. "As long as I''m here, Madam is safe!" Seoyang and John gathered everyone they could on the second floor of the mall. They moved away from the supermarket, hoping for safety in a wide, open area with a good view outside. But something strange was happening that none of them could exin. Every time one of the giant mantis-like monsters got close, its head would suddenly explode before it could reach them. At first, they thought it was just luck, but it kept happening. The group, confused and scared, watched as the mantises dropped, their heads bursting for no reason. "What''s going on?" John asked, looking out at the ss wall. "Why are they dying before they can get near us?" Seoyang shook his head. "I don''t know, but I''m notining. We need to find a way out." They had gathered as many survivors as possible, but the exits downstairs were blocked by wreckage and swarming monsters. The second floor felt safer for now, but no one knew how long that wouldst. Suddenly, Seoyang looked at the ss wall and nodded at John. John understood immediately. "Back away, everyone!" he shouted. The survivors quickly stepped back, confused. John''s hands began to glow as he punched the ss wall, which was part of the mall''s structure. The ss shattered, sending shards flying. "Jump!" John yelled. Everyone hesitated, murmuring among themselves. "Are you sure?" one survivor asked. But John grabbed another guy and threw him through the broken wall. "Ahh!" the man screamed, but just before he hit the ground, he started to float and descended slowly. Everyone stared in shock and then realized Seoyang did it. "Jump one by one! Don''t worry, you''re in good hands! Hurry if you don''t want to die!" John urged. The group nced at each other nervously. An elderly man shouted, "I have a granddaughter waiting for me! I can''t die! Youngdy, take care of me!" Seoyang nodded. She readied her hands as the elder jumped. Before he could hit the ground, he floated down gently. "Whoa! I''m alive! Jump, everyone! Hurry!" the elder eximed, excitement in his voice. "What an energetic old man," Si thought, covering them by shooting small ice shards at the mantises. "Still, Master needs to know this. Madam is not weak as I thought," he thought again. Here''s the next chapter in basic English, focusing on Alex, Alexa, and the scene outside the mall: --- Outside the mall, guards were distributed and forming a circle, keeping watch for any threats. Alex and Alexa were preparing to enter the building when they saw a group of people approaching. They quickly moved to meet them, ready to provide safety and first aid for those injured. As they got closer, Alex and Alexa''s eyes widened in surprise. "Auntie?!" they eximed in unison. Seoyang smiled slightly at them and stepped back a bit to join John, the guy with her. "You''re inside?! Are you okay, Auntie?!" Alexa asked, looking worriedly at Seoyang''s body for any signs of injury. "No, I''m fine. Nothing happened," Seoyang reassured her, trying to calm her down. "Where is Seojun? Is he inside?!" Alexa asked, her voice rising with concern as she was about to run into the mall. But Seoyang grabbed her arm gently. "Seojun doesn''t know I''m in here. Please, let''s keep this for now," she said urgently. Alex and Alexa nced at each other, unsure but understanding the need to stay quiet. "Now save the others inside! They need you," Seoyang insisted. After a moment of thought, Alex and Alexa nodded. They knew that saving the trapped people was more important than talking about Seojun right now. "Let''s go!" Alex shouted, determination in his voice. He led their guild toward the entrance of the mall, ready to face whatever dangers awaited them inside. As they pushed through the entrance, they steeled themselves for the challenges ahead, knowing they had to save those in need. Chapter 165: Chapter 165: Save people(2) Meanwhile, Seojun sat on the body of a massive mantis that had no head. All around him, the supermarket was filled with dead mantises lying on the floor. And there''s a mantis head mped onto his arm. "Looks like all the resistance and nullification that locked is now unlocked," he muttered, feeling the strange energy flow through him. [If you just went to the dungeons host, your powers would havee back. Since you experienced it once, you gain the resistance again,] Seojun jumped down from the mantis''s body and walked toward the middle part of the second floor, where the floor had copsed to the first floor. "Hmmm, keeping me waiting ha," he muttered, ncing down. The boss hadn''t appeared yet. "Find where the dungeon is," he added, to finish this chaos. Without hesitation, Seojun teleported to the first floor. As soon as he appeared, the air felt colder and heavy. It was pitch-ck, with only the faint moonlight from the broken windows giving a little glow. He could barely see, but his sharp senses picked up the scent of blood and the rotting mantis bodies scattered around. The middle part of the second floor had fallen through the ceiling, leaving a big hole above him. Pieces of the broken ceiling hung dangerously, and rubble was everywhere. Old shelves were toppled over, and the aisles were blocked with debris. From the shadows, several mantises crawled out, their sharp legs clicking against the tiled floor. He muttered, "Better finish this." Looking through his inventory, he decided against using the dark me. With the second floor already copsed above, one wrong move could bring the rest of the building down. His eyesnded on the me dagger, but then he noticed the Grim Reaver. The weapon showed a counter for the number of souls required to unlock its power. A smirk crept across his face. "How lucky," Seojun whispered as he began the soul harvest, pulling the souls from the mantises he had already killed. Ding! Soul Harvest initiated. Collecting souls... [1/100 souls gathered...] [15/100 souls gathered...] [37/100 souls gathered...] [58/100 souls gathered...] He stood still, waiting as the count rose toward its limit. [72/100 souls gathered...] Just then, a mantis charged out of the darkness. Seojun sidestepped smoothly and kicked the mantis, sending it flying into a group of others. The remaining mantises surged at him, their sharp limbs slicing through the air. Seojun reacted quickly, using only physical attacks to avoid damaging the already weakened structure. One mantis lunged at him from the side, but he countered with a swift punch, sending it crashing into a pile of rubble. Another swiped at him, but he ducked and kicked its legs out from under it, smashing it to the ground. More mantises came, but Seojun was faster. He dodged a wed strike and delivered a powerful elbow to a mantis''s midsection, causing it to crumple. One after another, they fell as he fought with precision, each movement designed to disable his enemies without causing too much destruction. A mantis leaped from a nearby wall, aiming to strike him from above. Seojun spun and delivered a brutal backhand, knocking it across the floor. Another charged head-on, and he met it with a crushing knee strike that shattered its front limbs. Seojun moved with calcted restraint. The copsed second floor creaked ominously above him, but it held. He couldn''t afford to risk the structure copsing any further¡ªthere was still a chance that someone might be alive here, and he wouldn''t take that gamble. Seojun stood still, ready to strike again when a desperate scream echoed from the far end of the mall. "Help! Somebody, please!" His eyes narrowed. "Looks like someone''s still alive." Before he could move, another mantis lunged at him. Seojun swiftly dodged, grabbing its head mid-air and mming it into the ground. The impact wasn''t strong enough to kill it, but the creaturey dazed and twitching. With a firm step, Seojun pressed his foot onto the mantis''s back, pinning it down as it struggled weakly. He reached for its arms. With a sharp tug, he ripped both of its wed arms clean off. The mantis squirmed in agony, but Seojun didn''t flinch. He looked down at the creature onest time, then crushed its head under his foot, killing it instantly. "This''ll do," he muttered, holding the mantis arms like weapons. He turned toward the source of the scream and started walking, his steps steady and deliberate. More mantises appeared from the shadows, but Seojun was quick to react. One lunged at him, but he blocked its strike with the severed mantis arms and shed back with the sharp edges. The creature recoiled, and Seojun sidestepped, countering with a swift blow that sent it crashing into a pile of rubble. Another mantis charged at him, but he deflected it with the wed arm, cutting deep into its leg. Without stopping, Seojun moved forward, shing and dodging every attack. As he turned the corner, he saw a man trapped under arge chunk of the copsed second floor. The man''s lower body was pinned, and a giant mantis stood over him, ready to strike. "Help! Please!" the man shouted, squeezing his eyes shut, bracing for the end. For a moment, everything was silent. The man expected to feel the mantis''s sharp ws any second, but nothing happened. Slowly, he opened his eyes and gasped in shock. The mantis that had been towering over him was dead, its head pierced through with one of mantis wed arm. The sight was terrifying¡ªblood oozed from the mantis''s lifeless body. Before he could react, another mantis arm flew through the air, spinning like a de. It shed through the neck of another approaching mantis, cutting its head clean off. The headless body stumbled forward and copsed,nding right in front of the trapped man. "Ahhh!" the man screamed in pure fear and disgust, recoiling as the mantis head rolled toward him. His breathing was rapid, his heart pounding as he tried to process what just happened. [85/100 souls gathered...] [98/100 souls gathered...] Seojun walked over to the fallen floor trapping the man. Without much effort, he gripped the heavy debris with one hand and lifted it. With a quick motion, he hurled the broken floor toward a group of mantises approaching from the shadows. The debris mmed into them, sending the creatures flying and crashing to the ground. The man''s eyes widened in shock. "H-How did you¡­?" he stammered, unable to believe what he just saw. Ignoring the man''s surprise, Seojun calmly picked up the mantis arm lodged in the creature''s head and then retrieved the other one from the ground. He looked around cautiously, ensuring there were no more immediate threats. The man blinked, snapping out of his daze. He tried to move but winced in pain. "I-I can''t move my leg," he muttered in panic, struggling to lift himself. Seojun stepped toward him and extended his hand. A soft green light began to glow from his palm, radiating warmth. The man''s leg, which had been pinned and fractured, suddenly started to heal. He felt something strange¡ªhis leg wasn''t just feeling better; it waspletely restored. The man''s jaw dropped as he cautiously moved his leg. "I... I can stand!" He slowly got to his feet,pletely in awe. "How is this possible? No heal spell can fix fractured bones like this! This should be impossible!" Seojun, still calm, gave a small shrug. "Doesn''t matter now. Focus on surviving. That''s what''s important." Final souls required for full activation. [100/100 souls gathered.] Ding! [Grin Reaver unlocked. Soul Harvestplete. Power level increased.] Chapter 166: Chapter 166: Save people(3) Alex and Alexa stood outside the mall with their guild, looking at the building. It was arge, modern mall in the middle of the city, but something had changed. A dungeon had appeared on the first floor, turning the whole mall into a dangerous ce filled with monsters. "The dungeon energy is strong. It''s definitely on the first floor." Alex spoke, Alexa stepped forward. "We need to clear the dungeon quickly before it spreads further." They walked up to the entrance of the mall. The ss doors were still intact, but something felt different. The air around them was heavy, and the sky above looked darker than usual. It was as if the dungeon''s presence had started to affect the entire area. "Be careful. Once we''re inside, anything can happen," Alex warned as he pushed open the door. The guild stepped inside the mall. The first thing they noticed was how cold it was. Even though the building was new, the temperature felt like a freezer. The lights were dim, but they could still see the outlines of stores and hallways. It was quiet, too quiet. "The dungeon is definitely in here," Alexa muttered. "Let''s find it fast." The guild moved carefully through the aisles of the first floor. It looked like a normal mall, but they knew monsters could appear at any moment. One of the guildmamber closed his eyes for a second, trying to sense the location of the dungeon core. "It''s deeper inside," he said, pointing toward the back of the mall. "We need to get through the main area." Alex nodded. "Stay in formation. We''ll clear any monsters thate at us." They continued walking, the cold air biting at their skin. The mall was quiet, but they could feel something was watching them. Every step they took felt heavier, as if the dungeon was pulling them in. "What is that?" one of the members asked nervously. Before anyone could answer,rge mantis-like monsters suddenly appeared from behind the store shelves. Their long, serrated legs clicked against the floor as they moved toward the group with terrifying speed. "There''s too many of them!" shouted one of the guild members as the mantises charged. The guild tried to fight back, but the mantises were faster and more coordinated than they expected. One by one, members of the team were knocked down, barely able to block the swift strikes of the monsters'' razor-sharp legs. Their mage tried to cast a spell, but a mantis lunged at him, and he had to scramble back to avoid being sliced apart. "We''re getting overwhelmed!" yelled one of the fighters, barely fending off two mantises at once. His sword nged against the monsters'' legs, but he was clearly losing ground. "Focus! Don''t let them surround us!" Alex shouted, his spear already in hand. He leaped forward, spinning his spear in a wide arc and shing through a mantis that had cornered one of the guild members. Alexa was right behind him, her dual swords shing in the dim light as she danced between the monsters. She struck quickly and precisely, slicing through their legs and disabling their mobility. But the mantises kepting. For every one they killed, two more seemed to appear from the shadows, their numbers endless. The guild was being pushed back, barely holding on. One mantis managed to get close to Jin-soo again, knocking him to the ground as he screamed for help. "We can''t hold them off!" shouted another guild member, struggling against two mantises at once. His shield arm shook under the force of their strikes, and cracks started to appear in his defense. Seeing his team on the verge of copse, Alex narrowed his eyes and gripped his spear tightly. Alex spun his spear with expert precision, stabbing and sweeping through the mantises like a storm. His long reach allowed him to keep several monsters at bay at once, pushing them back. Alexa moved in perfect sync with him, her dual swords shing as she sliced through the mantises'' legs and bodies. Her speed was unmatched, and the monsters could barely keep up with her rapid movements. As they fought, the other guild members rallied behind them, encouraged by the duo''s powerful attacks. Their mage finally free from the mantises'' ws, cast a barrier to protect the team, giving them a moment to breathe. Together, Alex and Alexa tore through the remaining monsters, cutting down the mantises one by one. Their teamwork was wless¡ªAlex''s spear kept the monsters at a distance while Alexa''s dual swords finished them off with lethal strikes. Finally, after what felt like forever, thest mantis fell, its body twitching before going still. "Wow, just like an A-Rank awakener!" one of the guild members said, watching as Alex lowered his spear. "These mantises are so strong! Only A-Ranks can beat them," another guild member added. Alex overheard his team''s murmurs, and some of them were feeling down. "It''s been five months, and we''re still stuck at C-Rank," one of them whispered, looking discouraged. Others nodded, clearly frustrated with theirck of progress. Some looked like they were starting to lose confidence. Alex turned around and spoke up, his voice calm but firm. "Hey, don''t feel sorry for yourselves. I know it''s been tough, but you''re all doing great. You just need a few more pushes, and you''ll get there. You will be A-Rank too¡ªit just takes time and hard work." His words made some of the members stand up straighter, their eyes brightening a little. Alexa stepped forward and crossed her arms, adding her own advice. "Being jealous or envious won''t get you anywhere," she said bluntly. "Get that out of your brain. Focus on yourselves and your own growth. You''re all strong, but you need to believe it." The guild members nced at each other, some of them realizing that their self-doubt was holding them back. One fighter lifted his weapon. "We''ll keep pushing!" he shouted. "Yeah, we''ll reach A-Rank too!" another member added, his voice growing stronger. Soon, all of them were shouting together. "We''ll get stronger! We won''t give up!" Alex smiled, feeling proud of his team. He nced at Alexa, who gave him a small nod of approval. "Alright," Alex said, gripping his spear tightly. "Let''s finish this dungeon and Pay attention. there probably some people that survive." Chapter 167: Chapter 167: Save people(4) Suddenly, a loud crash echoed through the mall, shaking the ground beneath their feet. Dust and debris fell from the ceiling, and in an instant, the mage quickly reacted. "Barrier!" the mage shouted, raising his staff and creating a protective shield around the group. A thick cloud of dust swept over them, and some of the guild members who weren''t fast enough started coughing as the dust reached them before the barrier fully formed. "Stay down!" Alex shouted, making sure everyone was safe inside the barrier. As the dust slowly began to settle, one of the guild members looked around and gasped. "It''s¡­ it''s fully copsed!" They could see the damage clearly now. The second floor hadpletely fallen in, and it looked like the floors above it hade down as well. Large chunks of the ceiling were scattered everywhere, blocking some of the paths ahead. "The second floor copsed¡­ and it took the rest of the building down with it," Alexa said, her face serious as she surveyed the damage. The guild members, still coughing and dusting themselves off, looked around in shock. "What do we do now? It''s blocked off!" one of them asked, panicking. "Calm down," Alex said firmly. "We''ll find another way through." One of the guild members suddenly pointed into the thick dust cloud. "Something ising!" she shouted, Alex and Alexa quickly turned to look, their hearts racing. As the numerous shadow began to take shape and move closer, Alexa warned everyone, "Get ready!" The guild members immediately fell into position, weapons drawn, eyes locked on the approaching figures. As the dust cleared, a guild member shouted, "Survivors!" Emerging from the haze was a man holding up a massive wall like an umbre. He strained to keep it above him, and several people huddled underneath, seeking protection from the debris that had fallen. "Quick!" he shouted, panic in his eyes. "We have to get out of here! Please don''t ask! We have to hurry, or we''ll die!" Alex nced at Alexa, and she nodded. "We need to assist them," she said, moving toward the survivors. Alex ran to the man, reaching out to help him steady the wall. "Now let it down slowly We''ll help you get the injured out!" and the man slowly let the wall his lifting down and almost fell but Alex catch him and assist to walk out. Together, they guided the injured people quickly checking to see if anyone was hurt. The guild members worked fast, helping the weak and frightened escape the danger. Once they were finally outside, Alexa turned to the group and said, "We''ll go back in and defeat the boss!" But the man from before stepped forward, blocking their path. "No! You can''t go back in! There''s a person in there handling everything. After he saved me and healed the others, he said not to let anyone else get in." Alex felt uneasy and asked, "What does this person look like?" The man replied, "He had short brown hair and blue eyes. At first, he used the arms of the mantises as weapons, but then he switched to a scythe. He''s an incredibly skilled awakener." Alex and Alexa exchanged nces, recognition dawning on their faces. "Seojun," they whispered in unison. They couldn''t believe it. They thought there was no way he would let his mom go out alone. As Alexa looked back at the mall, irritation crossed her face. "Damn it, Seojun! You want to live peacefully, but you''re in there fighting. You''ll attracting so much attention!" Alex stepped forward, cing a hand on her shoulder and whisper. "Let''s just take care of the aftermath, We''re lucky that there''s no other top rankers went here." "I''m annoyed brother, He still keeping his secret to us." However. Seojun stood in silence, watching as thest of the survivors made it out safely. [They''re out, host,] his system informed him. He nodded and turned his attention to the mantis boss hovering above him. [STATUS] Name: Mantis Queen Boss A-Rank (1000) It was massive, with pure white wings and sharp limbs that gleamed in the faint light. It flew higher, moving to a more open space. Seojun frowned teleported in front of the boss. "I don''t have time for this." He lifted his scythe, dark energy swirling around its de. [Host, is that¡ª] "Yeah," Seojun interrupted with a smirk. "I want to see how it works." The mantis boss darted toward him, its wings cutting through the air with a sharp hum. Seojun waited until thest second, then teleported right in front of it, raising his scythe. "Dark Nova," he muttered, sending a small dark energy straight at the creature. The mantis tried to strike him, but he dodged easily, teleporting a short distance away. The dark energy hit the mantis, but at first, nothing seemed to happen. "So, it''s dyed," Seojun murmured, watching carefully. Just as he spoke, the mantis''s body began to explode, starting with one of its arms, then its wings. Piece by piece, the creature was torn apart, but it kept trying to move toward him, its broken body struggling to stay together. Seojun sighed. "Still trying, huh?" As the final explosion ripped through the mantis, it copsed in a heap of twisted limbs. Seojun lowered his scythe, the dark energy around it fading away. [That was impressive, host. You able to copy the Top 4 Ranker powerful skill] "Yeah, It''s useful and less damage than the Cursed emberstorm," He nced at the ruined building behind him, the dust still settling from the earlier copse. "Look there''s a figure there!" As Seojun watched thest pieces of the mantis fall apart, he sensed a strong presence getting closer. His eyes narrowed as he recognized the aura. [Host, it''s Kang Dae-won, the Guildmaster of Eternal Return,] his system said. [If he sees you, he will keep trying to recruit you.] Seojun sighed and muttered, "And will ruin my peaceful life with Mom." Without wasting time, he teleported away, disappearing before Kang Dae-won could spot him. A few momentster, Kang Dae-won and his team appeared from the dust, walking toward the spot where Seojun had just been. Dae-won scanned the area, frowning. "Looks like he got away," he said quietly. Before he could take another step, Alexa rushed over, her face full of anger. "What the hell, Dae-won? This is our business! Stay out of it!" She was worried that Dae-won might discover Seojun''s hidden strength. Kang Dae-won gave her a calm smile. "Rx, Alexa. I''m just cleaning up." Alexa red at him. "If you interfere again, I won''t let it slide next time." Alex, meanwhile, looked around, relieved that Seojun had already left. Good, he''s gone, he thought. Alex stepped forward, trying to calm things down. "Let''s focus on the aftermath. We''ve got our own work to do." Kang Dae-won shrugged, his eyes still lingering on the spot where Seojun had been. "Fine But if he was here, you won''t be able to hide him forever." Alexa clenched her fists but stayed quiet, turning to help her team while Kang Dae-won and his group left. The dust settled, but the tension between the two guild Chapter 168: Chapter 168: News Seojun teleported back home, appearing in his quiet apartment. He immediately changed out of his clothes and removed his mask, tossing it in his inventory before copsing onto the couch he pulled out his phone and scrolled. "Come on out, Huno," he muttered, Huno appeared instantly. "Hello Master!" Just then, the front door swung open, and Seoyang, Seojun''s mom, rushed in. "Seojun! Are you here?" "Yes, Mom?" he called back, standing up. Seoyang hurried over and scanned his body, her eyes filled with concern. For a second, Seojun could feel her relief as if she was thinking, It''s not him? I''m d. Meanwhile Si, the silver snake slipped out of his pocket. He quickly summoned him back to his space before his mom noticed. "Is there something wrong, Mom?" he asked, curious about her sudden appearance. "Where did you go?" Seoyang smiled warmly, walking to the kitchen. "Just met up with a friend," she replied, grabbing a knife and a te. She returned to the couch with a bag of fruits, sitting beside him. "When will I be able to meet this friend of yours, Mom?" Seojun asked yfully, putting his phone down. He reached for the knife she was holding and took over peeling the apples. Seoyang chuckled, watching him with a fond smile. "Maybe soon," "hmm is it really just friend?" Seojun ask and Seoyang couldn''t help but blush Seojun shook his head with a small smile as he saw his mother blush. But beneath that blush, he noticed something else¡ªfear, or perhaps hesitation. He didn''t want her to feel uneasy, so he smiled warmly and said, "Mom, I''m fine with you having someone new in your life, as long as he takes good care of you." Seoyang''s eyes filled with emotion, and she quickly hugged her son tightly. "Thank you so much, Seojun. I''m really d you''re my son," she whispered, her voice soft with gratitude. Pulling back, she added, "When do you want to meet him?" "How about tomorrow?" Seojun suggested. Seoyang hesitated for a moment, looking uncertain. "Let me ask him first if he''s free tomorrow, okay?" she replied. Seojun nodded, not wanting to push her. He knew there might be more behind her hesitation. Just then, Si''s voice whispered telling all he witness in SEoyang ability to control Air. [Want me to step up, host? I could¡ª] "No," Seojun thought, cutting the system off. "Let''s wait for Mom to tell me herself. If she''s hiding this from me, she must have her reasons." Seoyang picked up the TV remote, and the news flickered on. The first thing that greeted them was a report of the dungeon outbreak in the mall. The screen showed broken buildings, debris scattered everywhere, and rescue teams at the scene. Breaking news scrolled across the screen: Several people have died, but miraculously, most of those trapped inside were saved. A reporter appeared, interviewing one of the survivors. "Can you tell us what happened inside the mall?" The survivor, visibly shaken but grateful, nodded. "It was terrifying. We thought we wouldn''t make it, but then¡­ someone saved us. He was young, had brown hair, and it was dark, but I could see him clearly. I''m awakened, so my vision is better. He had blue eyes¡­ and he used a scythe as his weapon." Seojun frowned as the survivor on the news mentioned a young man with white hair and a scythe. Brown hair? he thought. But I was wearing the mask, so my hair should''ve appeared brown. [He awakened at that critical moment, host. It seems he was able to see your true appearance behind the mask.] Seojun sighed, thinking, I hope no one recognizes me. The news continued, showing more images of the destroyed mall, rescue teams, and survivors. The reporter stood in front of the chaotic scene, looking into the camera. "This dungeon outbreak is one of many recent urrences. Justst week, a dungeon appeared in Pyeongtaek, causing mass panic. The situation is bing increasingly dangerous. What could this mean? Is it possible something more threatening is on the horizon?" The reporter turned and approached a tall, sharp-looking man standing nearby. "We''re joined by Chairman Alexander, the head of the Awakeners Association and guildmaster of Vortex. Chairman, can you tell us what''s being done to handle these recent dungeon outbreaks?" Chairman Alexander, with hismanding aura, nodded gravely. "We are working in close cooperation with the government and all major guilds to monitor and respond to these dungeon appearances. The frequency has increased rmingly, but rest assured, we are doing everything possible to safeguard the public. That said, we advise everyone to remain vignt. These are unpredictable times." The reporter continued, her expression serious. "Many are worried that these dungeon appearances are leading to something muchrger. Could this be the start of The Wave?" A murmur rippled through the crowd of reporters gathered nearby, all now leaning in with interest, waiting for Chairman Alexander''s response. "While we understand the concerns and are fully aware of the spection surrounding The Wave," he began carefully, "e have no conclusive evidence linking these recent dungeon appearances to such an event. What we are witnessing is serious, but it''s important not to jump to conclusions." There was a brief silence before the reporter spoke again, "So, you''re saying there''s no immediate cause for rm?" Chairman Alexander nodded, "Exactly. We urge everyone to remain calm and follow the guidance of authorities and trained professionals. We''ll continue to keep everyone informed as we learn more." Seojun, still watching, narrowed his eyes. The Wave, he thought. So, it''s not just rumors anymore... Even if Alexander was trying to avoid panic, it was clear there was more to this situation than they were letting on. Seojun stood in the kitchen, his mind racing with thoughts of the Wave and the events that had unfolded. He recalled what Alex had told him about Alexa meeting with the top rankers. "System, can you track when the Wave will happen?" he asked, a hint of urgency in his voice. [I''m sorry, Host, but my power can''t do that. What about Zyraena? She''s a goddess; maybe she knows when it will happen,] "Then tell her," Seojun said, feeling a mix of determination and anxiety. He nced at his mom, who had fallen asleep on the couch. A fond smile spread across his face as he gently picked her up and carried her to her room,ying her down on her bed and tucking her in with a soft nket. Chapter 169: Chapter 169: A gift Once he was sure she wasfortable, he stepped out and thought about how to keep track of her. I should get essories for Mom so I can track her. There''s no way Si and Nymira would be with her all the time, he thought. He settled on the couch and opened his inventory, scanning through the items he had obtained in the Abyss. As he looked at the various trinkets, he felt a twinge of worry about whether his mom''s body could handle them. "But Master, Lady Seoyang is strong. You should not worry about that," Si chimed in, reassuring him. Huno barked in agreement. "As Si showed, there''s no doubt that Lady Seoyang is more than an ordinary human, Master." Seojun stared at a ne in his hands and clenched it tightly, realizing he now knew what to do. He shook off his worries and stood up, deciding to cook something special for dinner. He opened the refrigerator, considering what to make. As he donned an apron, he heard a knock at the door. As he opened it, Alexa rushed in. "You! You were there, right?!" she eximed, her eyes wide with excitement. Seojun just smiled, trying to y it cool and went back in the kitchen but Alexa pped him lightly on the shoulder. "You want to live peacefully, but why are you acting like this? Do you know how much money we spent to keep those survivors that recognized you quiet?" "Thanks, Alexa," Seojun replied, grateful for their support. Alexa couldn''t help but turn around and plop down on the couch, crossing her arms. "I-It''s not like we don''t want to help, but we''re doing everything so no one can interfere with your peaceful life! You''re so lucky you have us," Alex walked in right after, hanging up the phone. "Be careful next time, Seojun. Dae-won almost caught you. If he sees you, we can''t cover you up in public anymore," he warned, his expression serious. Seojun nodded, turning his focus back to cooking as he chopped ingredients for a Korean dish. He decided to make kimchi fried rice, aforting and hearty meal. The spicy aroma filled the air as he stirred the rice in the pan. "I know I can count on both of you. Why don''t you sit down while I cook? You should both eat with us today," "Hmp! You owe us, so you should really serve us food!" Alexa said, trying to sound demanding. Alex chuckled and gave Seojun a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Anyway, Uncle Shaun called. He couldn''t contact you or Auntie Seoyang. It''s only been few days since he went back to U.S, and he already wants to live here. He said he''ll visit again soon with his family," Alex added, sitting down at the table. Seojun smiled at the thought. Family was important, and he was d to know that his uncle wanted to stay connected. As he finished cooking, he felt a sense of warmth andfort from having his friends around andter that evening they ate together now with his Mom having fun. Next Morning...Seojun woke up, feeling something warm and soft against his neck. He blinked and turned his head slightly to see Alexa sleeping peacefully beside him Her gentle breaths tickled his skin. As he shifted a little, a sh of light caught his eye, and he saw Alex sitting on the sofa, a yful grin on his face. "I''ll show this to Alexa, Just wait until she sees this! She''ll love it. Or hate it. Either way, it''ll be fun!" he said, pulling out his phone to take a picture of the scene. Seojun carefully tried to remove Alexa, who was clinging to him like a gecko. He remembered howst night had gone: they had all decided to drink together. Seoyang had gone to sleep early, leaving Seojun, Alex, and Alexa to have fun. At first, Seojun had nearly gotten drunk, but then he acquired resistance once again making him unable to get drunk. With a gentle push, he finally managed to slip away from Alexa without waking her. He stood up and stretched, feeling a bit sore but good overall. The morning light streamed in through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. He decided to make breakfast, wanting to do something nice for everyone after their fun night. As he moved to the kitchen, He began to prepare a simple breakfast of eggs and toast, theforting smell soon filling the air. It was just a peaceful morning After finishing up breakfast, Seojun went to wake his mom. "Mom, time to get up! Breakfast is ready!" Seoyang slowly opened her eyes, smiling at the smell of food wafting through the house. "That smells good, Seojun" she said, stretching as she sat up. They enjoyed a warm breakfast together, chatting andughing. "Look at this Auntie!" Alex grinned, turning the phone toward Seoyang. Seoyang looked at the photo and gasped, then tease alexa. "Omo, look at how cute they are, You didn''t tell me you have crush in my Seojun Alexa" When Alexa saw the picture, her face turned bright red. "A-Auntie I''m not! Alex No! Give me that!" She lunged at Alex, trying to snatch the phone away. Alex held it above his head, teasing her. "What''s wrong, Alexa? You look adorable!" "Not helping, Alex!" she shouted, her face still flushed. Suddenly, Huno barked excitedly, and Nymira jumped onto the table, meowing loudly. The peaceful breakfast turned into a noisy morning, with Huno and Nymira causing a ruckus as they yed around. After someughter and chaos, the twins decided it was time to go. "We have things to do, Seojun," Alexa said, smoothing down her hair, still a bit flustered. "But we''ll see youter!" "Bye! Take care!" Seojun replied, waving as they left. Once they were gone, Seojun turned to his mom. "I''m going to buy some groceries to fill up our fridge," he said. "While I''m gone, you should invite your friend over Mom." "Are you sure, Seojun? I can handle the grocery shopping," Seoyang replied, a hint of concern in her voice. "I''m fine, Mom," he smiled reassuringly. "You focus on your friend, and I''ll handle the rest." Seoyang nodded, knowing he was determined. After Seojun left the house, she took her phone and dialed a number. [Hello?] a deep voice answered on the other end. "John, it''s Seoyang," she said. "I was wondering if you''d like toe over." There was a pause, and John replied, [Are you sure about this, Seoyang?] "Don''t worry! I''ll just introduce you as a friend for now, not as my boyfriend," she assured him. "I still haven''t told Seojun everything yet. I''m waiting for the perfect timing." [Okay, Seoyang, I''ll be there then.] Seoyang smiled, Meanwhile, Seojun walked into a jewelry shop after grocery, his mind focused on finding something special for his mom. He browsed through the disys, looking for the perfect essory that would show her how much he cared. Chapter 170: Chapter 170: Meeting him As Seojun entered the jewelry shop, he was greeted by a friendly staff member. "Hello! Can I help you find something special today?" the staff member asked. "I''m looking for a ne for my mom," Seojun replied, ncing around at the sparkling disys. The staff member led him to a section filled with beautiful nes. "How about this one?" they said, showing him a stunning silver ne with a delicate pendant. Seojun admired the ne but didn''t feel it was right. "It''s pretty, but I don''t think it''s what I''m looking for," he said, shaking his head. They moved to another disy. "What about this one? It has a beautiful blue gemstone," the staff member suggested, holding up a ne with a deep blue pendant that sparkled in the light. Seojun squinted at it. "It''s nice, but it doesn''t feel like something my mom would wear," he replied, feeling a little frustrated. He turned to his system, hoping for some guidance. "What should I give to Mom?" he asked in his mind. [It''s important to choose something meaningful, Host. Maybe think about what she likes or what would remind her of you,] "Yeah, but what does she really like? I know she loves flowers, but how do I turn that into jewelry?" Seojun pondered, rubbing his chin. [Perhaps a floral design or a ne that has a flower motif would work well. Something that symbolizes your bond,] the system advised. Seojun took a deep breath and approached the staff member again. "Do you have any nes with a floral design? Something that represents love or family?" The staff member smiled and nodded. "Yes! Let me show you some options." They led Seojun to a different section of the shop, where several beautiful nes with floral patterns hung. As they browsed through the selections, Seojun felt a sense of excitement. "This one looks good," he said, pointing to a lovely ne with a small silver flower pendant surrounded by tiny gemstones. "This is a great choice! It''s elegant and meaningful," the staff member said. Seojun held the ne he had chosen for his mom, but something shiny caught his eye. He carefully set the ne down and walked over to the other disy. "This" he said, admiring a beautiful ne with intricate designs and shimmering gemstones. The staff member smiled. "This piece is part of a special collection from the Mystic Union. The guildmaster, Jonathan Hamilton creates jewelry that even non-awakened people can wear," she exined. Seojun remembered reading about the Mystic Union and how the number one cksmith had recently opened a branch in Korea. Seojun''s gaze shifted to a stunning silver bracelet with flowery curves. "What about this one?" he asked, pointing to the bracelet. "Let me get that for you!" the staff member replied and carefully took the bracelet out of the disy case. As they handed it to him, Seojun was amazed by its beauty. The silver glinted in the light, and the flower designs were detailed and delicate. He could already imagine how much his mom would love it and activated his appraisal skill. [Item: Mystical Flower Bracelet] Status: Safe for non-awakened individuals. Description: A beautifully crafted bracelet by the Mystic Union, featuring intricate floral designs. It symbolizes love and protection. Effect: Creates a protective barrier around the wearer, shielding them from minor illnesses and low-level mana spell attacks. Seojun smiled, The staff went closer to him The staff member nodded, clearly impressed with the bracelet''s attributes. "Mr. Jonathan Hamilton designs his jewelry with special enhancements. This bracelet will help guard against some ailments and weaker magic attacks, making it a perfect gift for someone you care about." "I''m taking this," As the staff member carefully wrapped the bracelet, Seojun''s heart swelled with excitement. He could already picture his mom''s face lighting up when she received it. As Seojun was waiting, a man with ck hair and dressed in a sleek ck suit spoke beside him. The man looked in his 30s and had a strong aura about him. "Good choice," the man said, a smile on his face. "Your girlfriend will surely love it." Seojun raised an eyebrow, a bit taken aback. "It''s for my mom," he replied, realizing that the man probably mistook his intention. The man chuckled, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Well, then she''s lucky to have a son like you," he said genuinely. He then turned to the staff member and said, "Excuse me, miss, I''m taking this," pointing at an elegant watch disyed nearby. The staff quickly retrieved the watch and began wrapping it carefully. The man smiled again. "I''m giving this to someone dear to my wife," he exined, his tone affectionate. For some reason, Seojun felt an unexpectedfort in the man''s presence. There was something reassuring about him that made Seojun feel at ease, as if they shared a connection that went beyond words. As the staff member handed Seojun his package, he noticed the twodies at the counter whispering among themselves. "Omg! He''s so hot! I wonder where he live?" "Kay is so lucky she serve him! that should be me!" "But look at the man beside him, He''s my dream sugar daddy!" They kept ncing at both him and the man in the suit, their eyes wide with admiration. The man seemed to sense the attention and chuckled lightly, as if amused by the reactions around him. He caught Seojun''s gaze and gave a friendly nod. "Have a great day, young man. Take care of your mom," he said before turning to leave with his newly wrapped watch. Seojun smiled back, feeling a bit inspired by the stranger''s kindness. He stepped outside the shop, clutching the bracelet tightly, ready to make his way home. After the man left, Seojun hopped into a taxi to head home. The ride was smooth, and he couldn''t help but smile as he thought about the beautiful bracelet he had picked out for his mom. A few minutester, they arrived at his house. As he got out of the taxi, Seojun noticed a sleek ck car parked beside their house. It looked expensive and caught his attention immediately. "Looks like Lady Seoyang''s boyfriend is big time," his systemmented, a hint of surprise in its voice. Seojun raised an eyebrow at the system''s tone. "Are you jealous?" he teased. "No! I''m not jealous, Host" the system quickly denied, almost sounding defensive. Seojun chuckled, shaking his head as he retrieved the groceries from his inventory. "Rx, Your so obvious." He carried the groceries inside and set them on the kitchen counter. "Mom! I''m back!" he called out, eager to see her reaction when he presented the bracelet. A momentter, Seoyang appeared from the living room, a smile on her face. "Wee back, Seojun! How was your shopping?" "It was good, I got something for you," he said, trying to keep the excitement in his voice under control. Seoyang''s eyes widened with curiosity. "What is it?" "You''ll see," he replied yfully, enjoying the suspense. As Seojun was about to reveal the bracelet, suddenly, a man stepped out of the bathroom. He had a surprised look on his face when he saw Seojun. The system chimed in with a teasing tone. [Oh, what a coincidence! The man earlier was John. That only means the ''wife'' he was talking about is Lady Seoyang. Tsk, how bold.] Seojun raised an eyebrow, slightly confused. ''Isn''t this guy had white hair?'' Seoyang noticed the unusual behavior between Seojun and John. She quickly took the groceries from Seojun''s hands and smiled nervously. "W-What about we sit down first?" she suggested, trying to break the tension. She helped Seojun to sit on the sofa, while John took a seat at the end. Seoyang seemed a bit anxious, ncing back and forth between the two men. Chapter 171: Chapter 171: Meeting him(2) Seoyang stood up with a cheerful smile. "I''ll cook something for us!" she said, heading toward the kitchen. Seojun raised an eyebrow, trying to be helpful. "Want me to cook instead, Mom?" he suggested, hoping to take over. But Seoyang insisted, "No, no! I want to cook today!" She nced at John, as if asking. John nodded. Seojun sighed but decided not to push it further. "Alright, Mom. I''ll just rx here." As Seoyang headed into the kitchen, Seojun''s system chimed in. [Test him out, Host.] "Hmm I''m nning too" Seojun thought back, curious about the system''s suggestion. [Since he''s your mother''s boyfriend, see how he treats her and if he really cares about her. You need to know if he''s good for her.] Seojun took a deep breath and turned to John. "So, how did you and my mom meet?" he asked, keeping his tone calm and friendly. John smiled, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "Well, we were childhood friends," he exined. "I met Seoyang when she and her mom moved to Jeju Ind before. We quickly became close. We yed together all the time." Seojun raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You''ve known her for that long?" "Yeah," John nodded. "We lost touch for a while when I went to the U.S. but I came back recently and we reconnected." Seojun studied him for a moment. "So you came back just to find her again?" "Exactly," John replied, a sincere smile on his face. "I wanted to see her and let her know I still cared. It was time for me to be back in her life." He wanted to ensure his mom was happy, but he also wanted to protect her. "That''s nice," he said, trying to sound supportive. "What do you do now that you''re back?" Seojun listened closely as John continued, "I actually run a branch of my business here in Korea now. It''s been great so far, but I''m just happy to be back with Seoyang." "What kind of business do you run?" John smiled, "It''s not much just a small branc. But we lost touch for a while when Seoyang was around 20 years old. It was because of family matters, you know? Life got in the way." Seojun''s mind raced as he processed this information. "Twenty years old?" he repeated, a sense of realization washing over him. The system chimed in, [That was the time when Lady Seoyang got pregnant with you, Host.] Seojun''s eyes widened slightly at the revtion. He was about to say something when he caught John''s gaze. The man looked thoughtful, almost nostalgic. "What happened during that time?" Seojun asked cautiously, wanting to know more about the circumstances that led to their separation. John looked a bit hesitant but replied, "There were some family issues on my side that I had to deal with, and it pulled us apart. But I always cared about Seoyang, and I regret that time we lost. I''m just d we found each other again." John reached into his pocket and pulled out the watch he had bought earlier. The sleek, silver timepiece gleamed in the light. "Hey, Seojun," John said, looking at him with a warm smile. "I got this watch for you. I thought you might like it." Seojun just look at it, John shrugged slightly, a hint of pride in his expression. "I want to make a good impression as your mom''s boyfriend, and I think you deserve something nice. Plus, I hope it reminds you that you have someone who cares about you and your mom." Seojun hesitated for a moment, ncing at his mother, who was busy preparing food in the kitchen. He could see her smiling, her joy evident even from afar. Taking the watch in his hands, he admired its craftsmanship. "Thank you," "I''m d you like it," John replied, his eyes twinkling with happiness. "I want to be there for both of you, especially after everything you''ve been through." Just then, Seoyang came back into the living room, wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. "What''s going on here?" she asked, noticing the watch on Seojun''s wrist. "John just gave me this watch," Seojun said, holding up his wrist to show her. Seoyang''s expression shifted to one of surprise, and then she smiled softly. "That''s very generous of you, John. Thank you for looking out for him." "Of course," John said, his voice sincere. "I''m happy to be part of your lives." As they exchanged smiles, Seojun felt a growing sense offort with John. Maybe this wouldn''t be so bad after all. Si''s voice rang out, "Father is getting jealous," teasingly referring to the system. [Jealous? No way! I''m just being cautious!] the system protested, trying to deny the usation. Huno chimed in, nudging Seojun yfully. "It''s okay, Father! You''ll find another girl!" Seojun couldn''t help but chuckle at their banter. He leaned against the bathroom door, ncing at the watch John had given him. What should I do in this situation? he thought. "Are you okay, Master?" Huno asked, his eyes full of concern. [You should push him away, Host!] Seojun shook his head, still amused by the system''s anxiousness. "Be honest System, when did you have a crush on Mom?" he asked, his tone teasing. The system remained silent, and Seojunughed lightly. After washing his face and merging an item in his inventory to the bracelet, he finally felt ready to go back out. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door and stepped into the living room. To his surprise, he saw John feeding Seoyang a spoonful of food. They wereughing together, and a warmth spread through Seojun''s chest. ''I guess he''s not that bad'', he thought. ''But if he hurts Mom, I don''t know what I''ll do with him.'' "Don''t worry, Master!" Huno said confidently, wagging his tails. "If he hurts Lady Seoyang, I''ll bite his butt hard!" Seojun couldn''t help but smile at Huno. "Thanks, buddy. Let''s hope it doesn''te to that." He approached the duo, ready to join them and keep an eye on John. Chapter 172: Chapter 172:Not a weakling Seoyang smiled at John and then turned to Seojun. "You two can talk for a bit. I''ll be in the kitchen," she said, giving them some privacy. Once they were alone, John looked at Seojun with a friendly smile. "I appreciate you epting me. Just so you know, I''m just a weak awakener," he admitted. Seojun nodded, trying to gauge John''s character. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a keychain. It looked ordinary, but it had a special ability. "Here, I want you to have this," Seojun said, handing it to John. John epted the keychain with a confused expression. "Thanks! But what does it do?" "It''s just a good luck charm," Seojun replied casually, though he knew it emitted a dark aura if someone was evil or couldn''t be trusted. But it didn''t emit anything at all in this case. Seojun felt reassured; John could be trusted. [Host, let me run some info about him.] "No, let it be, System. I''m looking forward to what Mom and this guy will reveal," Seojun said, his curiosity piqued. As night fell, John said his goodbyes, and Seoyang beamed with happiness. She couldn''t help but hug Seojun tightly. "I''m so d you epted John," she said, her voice filled with emotion. Seojun smiled back at his mom, feeling a warm glow in his chest. "Whenever you go out, Mom, I''ll always be here. If you''re in danger, just call me," he said as he slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. "Thank you, Seojun." Seoyang replied, touched by her son''s thoughtfulness. That evening, before they went to bed, Seojun handed his mom the bracelet he had bought. "Don''t ever take this off, okay, Mom?" he said gently. Seoyang smiled warmly at him and nodded. "I won''t, Seojun. Thank you," she replied, her eyes full of affection. A few days passed, and John started visiting more frequently. It was clear to Seojun that his mom wanted him to be closer to John, but Seojun still kept a bit of distance, unsure of how to feel. Today, they were by a peacefulke, fishing, which had been Seoyang''s request. Seojun cast his line into the water, sitting quietly as the sun glistened on theke''s surface. John, sitting nearby, pointed out into the water. "If you catch a Goldenfin Pike, it''s delicious. You should really try it if you ever get the chance," he said with a smile, trying to make conversation. Seojun gave a small nod, still keeping his responses short. But as luck would have it, his line suddenly jerked, and Seojun expertly reeled in a fish. To his surprise, it was arge one, struggling on the line. Seoyang, who had been watching from the side, beamed with pride. "Well done, Seojun! You''re a natural!" she praised, pping her hands. Seojun gave a small smile, happy to see his mom so excited, though he still felt unsure about John. For now, he focused on the simple joy of fishing with his mom and the peaceful surroundings. As he reeled in another fish, both his and Seoyang''s phones suddenly vibrated. They checked them and saw a warning¡ªanother dungeon had appeared nearby. Dungeons had been popping up more frequentlytely, which worried Seoyang and John. They exchanged concerned nces, though Seojun remained calm, continuing to fish as if nothing had happened. Seoyang excused herself, stepping away for a moment to make a call. Seojun stayed seated, watching the ripples on theke''s surface. After a few moments, he spoke up, breaking the silence. "I''m nning to take a vet license," Seojun said casually, keeping his eyes on the water. John smiled and nodded. "Yeah, Seoyang told me. So, you''re going to study soon?" Seojun gave a slight nod. "Since I''ll be away for a while, I''m trusting you to take care of Mom, right?" he asked, his voice calm but his gaze fixed on theke. John was quiet for a moment, understanding the weight behind Seojun''s words. "Of course, you can trust me. I''ll look after her," John said with a serious tone, meeting Seojun''s calm but watchful expression. Seojun didn''t reply right away, just gave a slight nod, as if that was enough for now. The peaceful sound of theke filled the silence again as they returned to fishing. Meanwhile, Seoyang walked a bit farther from theke, answering the call with a sigh. "When are youing back? If we didn''t talk to Shaun, we wouldn''t have known you were in Korea," a man''s voice came through her phone, sounding frustrated. Seoyang reached up, plucking leaves from a tree, and replied, "I don''t know yet. I think... I''ll be staying here for a while." "What? You can''t just decide that on your own! What about your position? The wave is approaching and you need to be here!" the man insisted, his voice growing more urgent. "I''m sorry, I can''t," Seoyang said quietly. "What do you mean, you can''t?" the man asked, confusioncing his words. Before she could answer, Seoyang heard a rustling sound in the bushes nearby. Turning her head, she froze. Emerging from the undergrowth was a giant ant¡ªits entire body a bright, angry red, withrge, snapping mandibles. The creature was as tall as her waist, its many legs scuttling across the ground. The ant''s hard, gleaming exoskeleton shimmered in the light, and its eyes seemed to glint with hostility. "Hey! Are you okay? Why aren''t you answering?" the voice on the phone asked, but Seoyang''s focus was entirely on the monster before her. A status window appeared in front of her, The Global System automatically show the monsters they encountering status. [Status Notification] Name: Scarlet Soldier Ant Type: Monster Rank: C Threat Level: Moderate The Scarlet Soldier Ant screeched loudly, its mandibles clicking together as it rushed toward her and eyes focused on the approaching threat. [What the! I can hear the Soldier Ant screech, where the hell are you?!] Seoyang calmly waved her hand as the Scarlet Soldier Ant lunged at her. Instead of dodging, she made a small motion with her fingers, and in an instant, the ant''s body split cleanly in two, passing by her harmlessly. She didn''t even blink as the two halves of the ant thudded to the ground behind her. Hearing a rustle in the nearby bushes, Seoyang nced toward the sound Chapter 173: Chapter 173: The Day of Entrance Exam But sensing no immediate danger, she dismissed it. She approached the remains of the ant, crouching down to pocket its core. With that done, she raised the phone back to her ear. "I found my son, so I''ll be abandoning my position," Seoyang said firmly. "I''ll contact you when I''m free." Without waiting for a response, she hung up. After tucking the phone away, Seoyang checked herself over, ensuring she was spotless, no blood or grime. Satisfied, she fixed her hair bun, smiling as she ran back to her family, her expression calm andposed. Meanwhile, in the bushes, Huno crouched low, with Si perched on his head, both watching the scene closely. "Wow, did you see that, Master?" Huno whispered, amazed. Seojun, still by theke, watched everything unfold through Huno''s eyes. He couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride. ''I''m d Mom''s not weak,'' he thought with a smile. ''I can''t wait until she tells me all their secrets.'' He returned his focus to the fishing rod in his hand, feeling content knowing that his mother was capable of defending herself, even if she hadn''t shared everything with him just yet He''s willing to wait. The day passed peacefully after the encounter with the soldier ant. Seoyang, Seojun, and John spent the rest of the afternoon by theke, chatting and fishing. As evening approached, they packed up and headed home, feeling rxed. The next morning, there was a knock on the door. Seojun opened it to find Alex and Alexa standing there, both of them smiling brightly. "Good morning," Alex and Alexa greeted Seojun blinked at them in confusion as he just finish shower, "Why so early?" he asked, as Alexa made herselffortable inside, heading toward the yard where Seoyang and John were sitting. Alex shook his head. "You didn''t receive my message?" "Hmm, I guess not." Alex sighed, showing Seojun his phone. "I texted you yesterday. Today is the entrance exam." Seojun''s eyes widened slightly, ncing outside toward his mom. "What time is it?" "8 a.m.," Alex replied. "But it''s still 6 a.m., so you''ve got time to prepare. We just need to hurry a bit." Seojun nodded and walked outside, where Seoyang and John were still enjoying their morning. "Mom," Seojun started, "Today is the entrance exam." Seoyang looked shocked. "What?! So sudden?" she gasped. Alexa, who had already joined them in the yard, shrugged. "Brother texted him yesterday, but looks like he didn''t see it." Without another word, Seoyang shot up from her seat. "I''m going to prepare your things!" she dered, rushing inside before Seojun could stop her. John chuckled softly. "She really loves you, you know." Seojun smiled softly. "I love her too." He turned to Alex, who hade out as well. "So, how long is the exam?" Alex rubbed the back of his neck. "It depends on the examiner, really. Can''t spoil you, though. But it''s better to pack enough for three days, maybe even a week." Seojun raised an eyebrow. "So, the vet license exam has changed?" He crouched down and lifted Nymira, stroking her fur gently. "You know what to do, Nymira. You have Huno and Si here with you." Nymira''s voice echoed in his mind. "Trust us, Master. Lady Seoyang will never get hurt when we''re around." Seojun nodded and set her back down, his mind brieflyforted. He stood up just as his mom came running back, a bag in hand, fully prepared. Before he could ask what she had packed, she smiled and handed it to him. "Everything''s ready, Seojun." After Seoyang handed Seojun the bag, they stepped outside where a sleek ck car waited with the twins'' butler standing by the door. Seoyang had an overwhelming urge to see him off¡ªto apany him to the exam like she used to when he was younger. But she held back, knowing that Seojun wasn''t a child anymore But the thought still brought tears to her eyes. Seojun noticed her tears and immediately pulled her into a tight hug. "Mom, I''lle back quickly, don''t worry. Huno and Nymira are here with you, and John too. You won''t be alone, okay?" Seoyang hugged him back, her voice trembling with emotion. "You''re finally reaching for your dreams, Seojun¡­" "I''ll make you proud, Mom. I promise." The butler stepped forward, opening the car door for him. With onest look at his mother, Seojun gently wiped her tears, gave her a reassuring smile, and stepped into the car. Alex followed, giving Seoyang a small nod before getting in. As the car pulled away, Seoyang stood there, waving, her heart full of pride and love. She knew her son was ready, even if she wasn''t quite ready to let him go. In the car, Seojun sat next to Alex in the backseat. The ride had been quiet until Seojun noticed that they passed through a portal, causing him to frown. Before he could ask, the car came to an abrupt stop¡ªit was quick, too quick. The butler opened their door, and they stepped out. Seojun looked around and saw arge open gate with many people rushing inside. Above the gate, he spotted the name of the ce. "Beast Doctor Academy?" Seojun muttered in confusion. "What is this, Alex?" Alex scratched his nape awkwardly and handed Seojun a folder. "I... uh, I didn''t know how to tell you, so I guess it''s a surprise? Since the world changed, regr veterinary studies no longer exist. They''ve been reced by ''Beast Doctor'' training." Seojun sighed, observing people around them carrying bags and equipment. "How many days am I staying here?" he asked, noticing the amount of luggage others brought. Alex winced a little before responding. "I''m sorry, Seojun. After the entrance exam, you''ll have your own dorm. If you pass, you''ll stay here for the program. If not, you''ll be heading home early." "You should have told me this earlier, Alex," Seojun said with a bit of frustration, opening the folder. Inside was all his information, including the form he had filled out earlier. Alex pointed to a specific part of the form. "I put here that you''re E-Rank since non-awakened people can''t enter the Beast Doctor Academy. I also... adjusted your age to 18. You look too young for 23, and people would be suspicious." Alex went on exining more details while Seojun skimmed the documents. After a few more exchanges, Alex bid goodbye leaving Seojun at the entrance of the academy. Seojun, still adjusting to the sudden change in ns and ced his things in his inventory. Chapter 174: Chapter 174: Beast Doctor Academy Seojun stood in front of the massive gates of the Beast Doctor Academy, watching as several people rushed inside with their bags. He took a deep breath and walked toward the entrance. A guard stepped forward and blocked his path. "Name?" the guard asked, holding a clipboard. "Han Seojun," Seojun replied calmly. The guard scanned the list for a moment, then nodded and stepped aside, letting Seojun through. As Seojun entered the academy grounds, he couldn''t help but admire how enormous it was. The ce was vast, with wide ground-level stairs leading toward the main building. The building itself was enormous, with a majestic symbol etched into the center¡ªa powerfulbination of a wolf, a dragon and a bear intertwined, representing the beasts that this academy specialized in. The intricate details of the symbol shimmered in the sunlight, giving off an aura of strength and authority. Walking through the open entrance of the building, Seojun was immediately greeted by a grand lobby. It was sorge it felt more like a castle than a school. The ceiling was high, with chandeliers hanging down, and the floor gleamed with polished stone. There were banners hanging along the walls, each with symbols of various beasts. Ahead of him, a long line of people waited for registration, so he quietly joined the line. He nced around, taking in the impressive surroundings. "Wow! This ce is so huge!" a voice suddenly eximed behind him. Seojun turned and saw a young man standing there, his face full of excitement. The guy had bright eyes and an energetic aura. Noticing Seojun looking at him, the young man smiled widely and extended his hand. "Hey there! I''m Andrew! What yours?" he said excitedly, practically bouncing in ce. Seojun gave a nod. "Seojun," he introduced himself, keeping it brief. Minho looked around, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Isn''t this ce amazing? I''ve been dreaming about this ever since I awakened! I just turned 18, and I awakenedst week I''m a E-Rank tamer best birthday ever! I can''t wait for the entrance exam i wonder what kind of exam it is," As Seojun stood in line, Andrew continued chatting non-stop. The person assisting them kept scolding Andrew for talking too much, but he just smiled and shrugged it off. Finally, it was Seojun''s turn. He approached the desk, and the assistant, wearing a neat uniform, nced at him. "What''s your name?" they asked. "Han Seojun," he replied. The assistant checked the list, nodded, and handed him a small number tag. "This is your identification from now on, not your name. Don''t lose it," the assistant said sternly. Seojun looked at the number before attaching it to his shirt. "Now, step into the Magic circle," the assistant instructed, pointing to a circle of light nearby. Seojun stepped in, and within seconds, a bright light surrounded him, and he disappeared. When he reappeared, he found himself standing at the side of a huge, wide-open space. In the middle was a massive area, and at the front was arge stage. Other people were scattered around, waiting or watching, just like him. The space felt overwhelming, but Seojun remained calm, observing everything quietly. As Seojun waited in the spacious area, he noticed Andrew looking around frantically, searching for something. When Andrew finally spotted Seojun, he sprinted over to him. "I kept looking for you!" Andrew eximed, his eyes wide with excitement. "Dang, look at all these people! There are so many! Anyway, did you know, Seojun?" "What?" Seojun replied, raising an eyebrow. "One of the top rankers is a judge for the exam! I don''t know if it''s true, but this is amazing!" Andrew said, practically bouncing on his feet. "I hope it''s Ms. Alexa or Ms. Ji-eun! And also, I heard that the first beast master is visiting too!" Seojun felt a mix of curiosity and nervousness. "The first beast master?" he asked, intrigued. Andrew nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Can you imagine? It''s such a big deal! I can''t wait for the exam to start!" As Seojun stood there, his system spoke. [I have seen that news, Host. The first beast master from the US arrived here yesterday.] "Hmmm" After a while of waiting, a loud horn sounded, echoing through therge space. The noise instantly quieted the crowd. Everyone turned their attention to the stage. A tall figure stepped forward, standing confidently behind the microphone. The person smiled and began to speak. "Wee, everyone, To the Beast Doctor Academy entrance exam! We are thrilled to have you here. You are about to embark on a journey that will test your skills and determination." Seojun listened carefully, He could feel the energy in the room. The speaker smiled and said, "Before we start, I want to introduce someone very important. He is the one who manages and started the Beast Doctor Academy. Please wee Mr. Gideon Hastings, the top 8 ranker of Korea!" As Mr. Gideon walked onto the stage, the crowd buzzed with excitement. He looked more like a dragon than a human. His dark scales shone under the lights, making him look majestic and powerful. People in the crowd murmured to each other. "Wow, he looks incredible! Is that really him?" one student whispered. "he''s the first beastman in the world! He''s so tall!" another voice said. "This is my first time seeing a beastman! I didn''t think they''d look like that!" someone eximed. Andrew, standing beside Seojun, was bouncing with energy. "It''s Mr. Gideon! I can''t believe it!" he shouted, shaking Seojun with his excitement. "He only showed up in the tournament!" Seojun remained quiet, observing the scene. He felt the energy in the room but kept his thoughts to himself. "Look at those scales! He must be so strong!" another student said in awe. "Waah! Why do i find him handsome?!" The cheering grew louder as Mr. Gideon raised his hand to quiet the crowd. His deep voice filled the hall. "Thank you, everyone! It''s an honor to see so many future beast doctors here today. So before I start i know some of you had a lot of questions," Chapter 175: Chapter 175: Introduction "I''m willing to answer your questions," Gideon said, smiling at the eager faces in front of him. Immediately, hands shot up in the air. The girls'' voices were louder than anyone else''s. "How did you be like that?" one girl asked, her excitement clear. "What do we call you?" Gideon chuckled lightly. "I don''t do interviews, so you don''t know much about me?" He paused, letting the anticipation build. "As you see, I look like a dragon. So, I am called a Dragonoid. I was human until five years ago when a dragon god blessed me, transforming me into what I am now." The crowd murmured in surprise at his answer. "A dragon god? That''s amazing!" someone said. Then, another student raised their hand. "Is it true that you are the only beastman in the world?" Gideon nodded. "For now, yes. But I''m not the only one who is not human. You know Lilith dimir, right? She''s a vampire. And Sani Callista, who is an elf." Everyone in the crowd nodded, remembering the interviews they had seen before. The excitement in the room grew as they realized that there were other beings like Gideon. "Yeah, Ms. Sani is so beautiful and the strongest healer!" After several questions and answers, Gideon smiled and said, "Now, let''s move on to the judges for the entrance exam." The crowd grew quiet, their attention fully on Gideon as he introduces the 3 judges then. "And now, for our final judge, I introduce you the top 2 ranker from the USA, an S-rank awakener and the second founder of the Beast Doctor Academy¡ªThomas Valve, the first Beastmaster!" The crowd erupted in cheers as Thomas walked up to the stage. His presence was powerful, and everyone could feel it. Gasps of shock and excitement filled the room. "Wow! It''s really him!" someone shouted from the back of the hall. "Aaahh! Sir Thomas!" Andrew was practically shaking with excitement. "This is amazing! The Top 2 ranker of US is here!" Thomas smiled at the crowd, his confidence radiating. "I''m d to see so many eager faces today. I''m here to help you discover your potential and guide you on your journey." The cheers grew louder as they couldn''t believe they were in the presence of such a legendary figure. The crowd was buzzing with questions about Thomas. Everyone was eager to learn more about him. After a few moments, Thomas raised his hands to quiet them down. The room slowly became silent. "I''ll share a little about myself," he began. "Five years ago, I almost died when a wolf beast attacked me. I was saved by a goddess and that''s when I awakened as a tamer. I was able to tame that wolf beast." Suddenly, from behind him, the wolf appeared. It was ethereal and stunning. Its shimmering fur shifted colors like the night sky, dotted with bright, star-like spots. Its eyes glowed a soft silver, and its presence exuded both power and grace. The crowd gasped in awe. Thomas continued, "We all know that five years ago, all animals evolved into beasts, and some turned into monsters. They were rampaging until six months ago when beast sanctuaries appeared, summoning all the beasts and allowing them to walk free." Everyone nodded in agreement, understanding the changes that had taken ce. Suddenly, a student raised his hand and asked, "Can I ask, Sir Thomas?" "Yes, of course," Thomas replied. "What''s the difference between a monster and a beast? They seem the same to me," the student said. A lot of people agreed with him, but others started to bash the student, calling him dumb. The noise grew louder, and the other facilitators struggled to bring order. Then, Thomas howled like a wolf, sending shockwaves through the area. Everyone covered their ears, and the crowd went silent immediately. Seojun''s system spoke to him: [His beast is powerful, host, but not enough to match Huno.] After the howl, Gideon stepped forward. "Let me exin the difference between monsters and beasts," he said. "Monsters are often twisted creatures that have lost their minds and are driven by chaos. Beasts, on the other hand, are creatures that still hold their natural instincts and can be tamed or befriended." The same guy who had asked earlier raised his hand again, looking a bit sheepish but determined. "Uh, can you exin more how to tell which is a monster and which is a beast? I mean, it seems a bit confusing." The crowd erupted in murmurs, and a few peopleughed. "Seriously? He''s asking again?" one girl whispered to her friend. "Maybe he''s just not paying attention," another voice chimed in, clearly mocking him. "Come on, cut me some ck! I''m new to all of this! I just awakened one month ago, okay? I''m still learning!" His voice trembled slightly, but he stood his ground against the teasing. Gideon, sensing the tension, quickly intervened. "It''s alright. Everyone has to start somewhere, and questions are how we learn." Gideon took a moment to gather his thoughts, ensuring everyone was paying attention. "To spot the difference between a monster and a beast, there are a few key things to look for." He continued, "First, The Global System automatically showed as the Status of monsters or beast in front of us. " "Yeah! Where the hell are you leaving that you don''t know?!" Some of shouted at the guy that ask "Didn''t you y Ethereal Online before? It''s so obvious about their difference though," Gideon then spoke ,"Second, beasts usually have a recognizable form. They resemble the animals we once knew, though they may have enhanced features like glowing eyes or unusual colors. For example, a beast might have vibrant fur or unique markings, but they still look like wolves, bears, or birds." The crowd nodded. "Monsters, on the other hand, often appear distorted or grotesque," Gideon exined. "They often have a chaotic appearance that makes them look dangerous and unstable." Thomas added, "Another important difference is in behavior. Beasts can be trained or befriended. They may exhibit loyalty and can bond with humans, like how I tamed my wolf. Monsters, however, are typically aggressive and unpredictable. They attack on sight and don''t have the ability to form any kind of partnership." Chapter 176: Chapter 176: Entrance Exam Began "Alright, everyone! As you prepare for the entrance exam, we want to share the criteria we will use to assess you." Gideon added "First, we''ll look at your knowledge. Next is adaptability. How well can you handle unexpected challenges? We will also assess your teamwork. Working well with your familiars and other participants is key." Thomas then spoke, "Additionally, we''ll be watching for creativity in your problem-solving approaches Don''t forget about resilience. We want to see how you bounce back from setbacks and being resourceful is crucial as well. Use the tools and skills at your disposal wisely." "Lastly, we''ll be looking at your decision-making under pressure. How quickly can you think on your feet? Keep these criteria in mind as you take on the challenges ahead. Good luck to all of you!" Thomas added, Gideon smiled at the crowd and said, "As for more information, you will have to pass the entrance exam. Everything will be exined in the orientation. Good luck, everyone!" "Good luck!" Thomas added, raising his voice. "And for those who make it to the top 10 in the Beast Doctor Final exam, you will receive items, 10,000 gold coins as a reward, a Beast Doctor license, and a special crystal!" The crowd erupted in murmurs and excitement. "Wow, a special crystal? What does it do?" one person asked, eyes wide with curiosity. "Gold coins! I could really use some extra cash!" another said, grinning. "Top 10? That sounds tough! I hope I make it!" a girl eximed, determination in her voice. "Do you think it''s true? That the special crystal can enhance your abilities?" someone else chimed in. "I heard it can even help youmunicate better with beasts!" another replied, leaning in to share the gossip. Seojun looked at Andrew, who was practically bouncing with energy. "Let''s go! Let''s pass this exam together Seojun!" Suddenly, a glowing light appeared on the floor beneath everyone''s feet. Seojun looked down as the light grew brighter and brighter. In an instant, everyone around him vanished into thin air and also him. As the crowd disappeared, Thomas approached Gideon with a curious look. "Which one interests you?" he asked. "Hmmm, I don''t know yet," Gideon replied, ncing at the empty space where the students had been. "What about you?" Thomasughed softly and said, "I don''t know either! Let''s go now." Meanwhile, the mage judge waved his hand, and a magic circle glowed on the floor. With a sh, the judges also disappeared. Seojun, however, found himself alone. When the light faded, he opened his eyes to see that he was in a forest. The trees towered above him, their leaves forming a thick canopy that blocked most of the sunlight. "Where am I?" Seojun wondered aloud, looking around in confusion. "I guess this is part of the entrance exam," he thought. Seojun started to walk, trying to figure out what to do next in this unfamiliar ce. As Seojun explored the forest, a bright screen suddenly appeared in the sky above him. Curious, he jumped up to a low branch of a nearby tree to get a better look. On the screen, he saw the four judges sitting at a long table, with Gideon in the middle. Gideon smiled and began to speak. "Wee to the floating zone Sknd Beast Doctor Entrance Exam! This is where the entrance exam will take ce. Each of you has been teleported to different parts of this forest." Seojun listened closely as Gideon continued. "The forest is surrounded by a barrier, so no one can leave Sknd during the exam." As Gideon continued speaking, another screen appeared beside the first one. This one disyed a list of numbers, each representing an examinee participating in the entrance exam. Seojun squinted to see his own number on the list. Gideon exined, "This screen shows the numbers of all the examinees. If anyone fails the entrance exam, their number will be crossed out. If you see your number crossed out, it means you have ''died'' in the exam, but don''t worry! You will be teleported back outside, and it just means you didn''t pass." "As you know, this will be a unique and challenging experience designed to test your abilities as future beast doctors. You will be surviving in this Sknd for one week. During this time, you will face various challenges and tasks that will help us evaluate your skills and potential. One of the most crucial aspects of this exam is forming a contract with a beast. Establishing a bond with a beast not only showcases your understanding of their nature but also demonstrates your ability to connect andmunicate with them. This is an essential skill for any beast doctor. Throughout the week, you will also be tested on various survival skills. Your ability to adapt, think critically, and work with your surroundings will be vital for sess." He pointed to the forest behind them. "You''ll also need to find a wild beast and treat its injuries. Remember, this exam isn''t just about who can heal the fastest. Some of you may not have healing skills at all. This is for ervyone with or without Healing skills and we''ll testing how you think, how you adapt, and how you find solutions when faced with the unexpected." Gideon''s tone became serious. "By the end of the week, you must make it to the Sanctuary at the center of the forest. There, you''ll present your beast, exin how you bonded with it, and demonstrate your knowledge about its species and care. We expect each of you to demonstrate not only your skills but also yourpassion and responsibility towards the beasts. Remember, this is not just about survival; it''s about bing a true beast doctor. Good luck to you all! May your journey begin!" As Seojun stood in the forest, the feeling of being watched lingered in the air. But it wasn''t just the judges or his fellow examinees watching ¡ª the whole world was. Across the globe, awakeners of all ranks and backgrounds had their eyes fixed on the event, their screens filled with the entrance exam''s live broadcast. The Beast Doctor Entrance Exam had sparked global interest, and everyone was talking about it. In a luxurious guild hall in New York, a group of awakeners huddled around a massive screen, their faces lit by the glow of the broadcast. "Did you see that? They have to form a contract with a wild beast!" one of them said, sipping on his drink. "That''s no easy task." Another, a woman with sharp eyes, nodded. "It''s not just healing. You need to understand the beast, bond with it." Across the world in Seoul, a caf¨¦ was packed with people glued to their screens, watching the same event unfold. "I heard that Sknd is filled with dangerous beasts," someone muttered from one of the tables. "Yeah, I wonder how many will actually make it to the center," replied another, their tone skeptical. In a small vige in India, a group of young awakeners gathered under arge tree, eyes wide with fascination. "I wish I could be there!" one of them said, excitement bubbling in their voice. "The rewards are insane!" "10,000 gold coins for the top 10," another replied dreamily. "I could change my whole life with that kind of money." In Paris, a famous awakener known for her healing abilities watched closely, leaning forward in her seat. "This is going to separate the real beast doctors from the pretenders," she murmured. Overhead, the global system chimed, shing announcements to every viewer around the world: [World Event: Beast Doctor Entrance Exam] Duration: 7 days The murmurings from different parts of the world grew louder. "How many do you think will pass?" asked a young awakener in Brazil. As the first day of the exam progressed, the whispers of the world''s awakeners filled every city, every town, and every home. From the grand halls of powerful guilds to the quiet corners of remote viges, the world watched as Seojun and the other participants And the buzz only continued to grow as the entrance exam unfolded before their eyes. Chapter 177: Chapter 177: First Task: Forming Contract(Familiar) In Seoul, Inside the traditional house, Seojun''s mother, Seoyang, sat with Alex, Alexa, John and their trusted butler, John. All of them were focused on therge global system screen before them, showing the live broadcast of the Beast Doctor Entrance Exam. The room was quiet, except for the soft murmurs of the world event ying on the screen. "This is the second batch," Alex remarked, his arms crossed as he leaned back on the couch. "Looks like a lot more people got interested since the first batch." Alexa nodded, her fingers ying with her hair absentmindedly. "Yeah, it was what, 200 participants in the first batch? And now there are 800." She sounded surprised, her eyes scanning the numbers shing on the screen. Seoyang, sitting on the edge of her seat, kept her gaze fixed on the screen where Seojun could be seen walking through the dense forest. Her heart tightened with worry. "The exam this time seems so difficult," she said softly, her voice filled with concern. John, their butler, stood calmly behind them, watching as well. "I think Seojun is strong enough to form a contract," hemented thoughtfully. "But it''s true that not everyone has the mana needed to form a contract with a beast." Alexa, ever the practical one, nced up at John and shook her head. "It''s not all about the mana, though," she added as shebed her long hair with her fingers. "In the first batch, some people were able to form a contract even with low mana. It''s more about how well they connect with the beast." Seoyang sighed, still staring at the screen. "I hope Seojun does well..." In the Entrance exam, Seojun stood high in the tree, watching the forest around him. He felt calm but focused, taking in every detail. Suddenly, his system spoke up, its voice ringing in his mind: [We are live broadcast worldwide by using this host.] Seojun raised an eyebrow and nced at the floating eye with wings hovering beside him. "Hmm," he muttered, now aware that the whole world was watching through his perspective. As he looked down from the tree, he noticed a few other participants walking below, unaware of his presence. His system spoke again, sounding more serious this time, [Host, I have discovered something.] "What is it?" Seojun asked, still scanning the area below. [It looks like the ore to merge with your sword is here in this forest.] Seojun''s eyes lit up with interest. "So, my favorite weapon''s ore is here?" He smiled, feeling a surge of excitement. "That only means I''ll be able to use it again..." [Yes, host. And to add to that, the special reward crystal from this exam will help ensure a 100% merge of the ore with your sword.] Seojun''s heart raced a little faster. The thought of finally reuniting with his favorite weapon gave him a rush of excitement. Without hesitation, he jumped down from the tree,nding softly on the forest floor. "Let''s find it now," Seojun said, a wide grin spreading across his face. Seojun walked through the forest. Suddenly, he felt something soft beneath his foot. He stopped and looked down to see a small, blue slime squishing under his boot. The slime stared up at him, and for a moment, Seojun and the slime just looked at each other. Then the slime bounced right past him, disappearing into the bushes. Seojun watching it go, but didn''t give it much more thought. He continued walking, his eyes scanning the surroundings. After a few minutes, he heard voices up ahead. Curiosity piqued, Seojun approached quietly and saw a group of four people surrounding a massive tiger. The beast was unlike any normal tiger; it was at least twice the size, with thick, striped fur that seemed to shimmer in the light. Its piercing yellow eyes glowed with intensity, and its sharp ws dug into the ground as it growled low, warning the group to stay back. The four people were tense, each one trying to get closer to the tiger, but the beast was having none of it. One man, holding a long spear, cautiously stepped forward. "We need to corner it!" he shouted to his team. But as soon as he got too close, the tiger swiped its massive paw at him, forcing him to jump back just in time. A woman with a bow aimed an arrow at the tiger, her hands shaking slightly. "I don''t think this is going to work, Let''s find another one!" she called out nervously, her eyes never leaving the beast. She loosed an arrow, but the tiger dodged with ease, its movements graceful despite its size. Another man, who seemed to have some sort of magical ability, created a glowing barrier around the group. "We can''t let it escape! If we can just trap it, we might have a chance!" His voice was strained, clearly struggling to keep the barrier strong as the tiger growled louder, testing the barrier with its ws. The fourth person, a woman with a whip, snapped her weapon at the tiger''s feet, trying to distract it. "If we can just get a rope around its neck, we can subdue it!" But every time she got close, the tiger''s quick reflexes made her miss. The group finally managed to subdue the tiger after a long struggle. The man with the spear thrust it into the ground near the tiger''s front paw, pinning it in ce, while the woman with the whip looped it around the tiger''s neck. The tiger roared angrily but couldn''t move, its body finally restrained. Just as the group began to rx, a sudden burst of electricity shot through the tiger''s body. Blue sparks crackled all over its fur, and in an instant, the group was thrown back by the force of the shock. Each person flew through the air,nding hard on the ground several feet away. "Ahhh!" one of the men shouted as he scrambled to his feet, wide-eyed with panic. "This is impossible! Why did I join this exam?!" The others started running, clearly shaken by what had just happened. One of them yelled, "Right! This is too much! Just catching a beast is hard enough, how the hell are we supposed to pass this exam?!" The woman who had been using the whip was almost in tears as she sprinted away. "Ahhh! I wanna go home!" she cried, her voice filled with frustration. Seojun watched them as they panicked, fled and they slipped on the forest floor, rolling down a small hill before disappearing from sight. Meanwhile, the tiger, now fully charged with electricity, stood tall. Its fur crackled with energy, and it let out a deafening roar that echoed through the forest, making the trees tremble. [Host, they made a critical mistake.They underestimated the tiger''s ability. It''s not just a regr beast¡ªit has an elemental affinity for electricity. They tried to restrain it without neutralizing its power. That''s why the shockwave happened.] Seojun nodded thoughtfully, watching the electrified tiger continue to roar. "They didn''t understand the beast''s nature." [Exactly, host. To seed in this exam, they need more than just strength¡ªthey need to understand the creatures you''re dealing with.] "It''s observe, n and Act. They don''t study enough before this exam." Chapter 178: Chapter 178: Familiar(2) Seojun turned around, walking calmly through the dense forest as his system spoke. [Host, the ore you''re looking for is still far away. Why don''t you focus on finding your beast?] "I''m already thinking about that," Seojun muttered. "I just haven''t decided what kind of beast yet. Well, it doesn''t matter as long as I form a contract before the end of the week." As he continued walking, his senses suddenly heightened. Something wasing. With a swift side step, he narrowly avoided a dagger that flew past him, embedding itself into the tree beside him. "I''m sorry!" a young woman''s voice called out. She looked about 19, rushing toward the dagger, pulling it from the tree. Without another word, she turned and sprinted away, dagger in hand. Curious, Seojun followed her quietly, keeping a distance. Soon, he found her facing off against a magnificent deer-like beast. The creature stood taller than an average deer, its fur shimmering in shades of silver and gold. Its horns were twisted, almost like branches, with soft glowing runes etched along their surface. The air around the beast seemed to pulse with magic, making it look more mythical than any ordinary animal. Seojun crossed his arms, deciding to watch. The woman was clearly struggling. She used her dagger to block the deer beast''s attacks, its horns shing with the de as it charged at her. The force of each hit sent her stumbling, but she refused to back down. The deer beast lowered its head, preparing to strike again. This time, it hit her squarely, sending her flying into a tree. She coughed up blood, kneeling on the ground as the deer beast slowly approached her, its eyes glowing with a fierce intensity. It wasn''t going to stop. The woman, now desperate, tried to speak to the beast. "Please! I''m not here to hurt you! Just calm down!" she begged, but the deer showed no sign of understanding or stopping. She rolled out of the way just in time as its horns crashed into the ground where she had been moments before. In ast-ditch effort, she threw herself at the beast, wrapping her arms around its neck in a risky, desperate hug. Seojun watched, his frown deepening as he sensed the raw desperation in her actions. "Please," she murmured softly, her voice barely a whisper. "Talk to me¡­" Suddenly, the woman began to glow, the light spreading to the deer beast as well. Both of them were bathed in a gentle, shimmering aura. Above her, a notification appeared: [Congrattions! You have entered the first phase of forming a contract! The Deer Beast has senses your determination.] The beast''s aggressive stance softened, its glowing eyes dimming slightly as it allowed her to stay close. Seojun watched in silence, impressed by her persistence. "Not bad," he muttered to himself. "But she''s lucky it worked." The woman coughed up more blood as she fell to the ground, lying down and breathing heavily. Despite the pain, a soft smile formed on her lips. The deer beast, now calm, slowly lowered itself and sat beside her, its shimmering horns casting a faint glow over them both. Seojun, still watching from a distance, decided to activate his appraisal skill. A small screen appeared before his eyes, revealing her details: Name: L Arven ss: Tamer (Rank D) Title: N/A Agility: D Strength: D Stamina: E Mana:C Skill: Creature Soothing Embrace - Effect: Able to calm down creatures when in physical contact. [No wonder she was able to calm the deer beast, Her skill allows her to soothe any creature she hugs. However, her ss rank is lowpared to her mana.] Seojun nodded slightly, watching as Ly there, still smiling despite the exhaustion. "Unlike the group i passed into, She have Tamer ss so forming contract will be easy than the others," The deer nuzzled her gently, a sign that it was already starting to trust her. Seojun then snap and L''s body glow in green light, Feeling light her tiredness is gone and healed. She sat down shock and looked around but didn''t see anyone. L sat down to rest, still catching her breath. She nced around but didn''t see anyone nearby. Standing up, she noticed a shadow moving behind a tree. Curious, she cautiously walked closer. As she approached, she saw a man hiding there. "Hi! That was amazing! I just passed by and saw what you did!" the man said with a wide grin. L took a step back, wary as the guy quickly grabbed her hands. "Can you help me too?! Anyway, I''m Andrew. What''s your name?" he asked eagerly. L pulled her hands free and replied, "My name is L. I didn''t do much. It''s just my skill. Also, I don''t believe that hurting beasts will help form a contract with them," she said, walking back to her deer. "Wow! I''ll take note of that," Andrew said, excitedly typing on a holographic keyboard that appeared in front of him. Suddenly, a loud explosion echoed through the air. The ground shook, and a powerful shockwave hit them. L instinctively hugged her deer that was not affected by the shockwave, while Andrew grabbed onto a nearby tree to steady himself. "What the heck is that?!" Andrew shouted as the shockwave passed. "I don''t know, but it seems dangerous," L said, turning around, ready to leave. But before she could, Andrew grabbed her arm. "Come on! Let''s see what it was!" he insisted, pulling L along, with her deer following closely. As they got closer to the source of the explosion, their eyes widened in shock. Two lifeless bodiesy on the ground, their numbers crossed out on the screen above them. "What happened here?" Andrew muttered, his voice filled with disbelief. Before they could process what they were seeing, a sudden attack came from behind. Dark ink-like liquid sshed at them, covering everything in darkness. Andrew immediately stepped in front of L and shouted, "Barrier!" The inky darkness surrounded them, and they couldn''t see a thing. It felt like they were trapped in a giant squid''s ink. "Run! Hurry!" Andrew shouted, backing away as the barrier started to crack under the pressure. Before they could escape, the barrier shattered, and they were thrown against a tree, knocked unconscious by the force of the attack. Chapter 179: Chapter 179: Familiar(3) From the nearby bushes, a small, dark creature bounced into view. It was a dark slime, norger than a fist, with two glowing dots that served as its eyes. It moved with energy, bouncing until it reached Andrew''s unconscious body. The slime nced at the deer beside L, who was still sitting on the ground, dazed. The slime then turned its attention back to Andrew, extending a long, stretchy arm-like appendage toward his cheek. As it touched him, Andrew''s body began to tremble, and his shadow started to get sucked into the dark slime. But before it could finish, the slime''s senses sharpened¡ªit quickly leaped into the air, dodging a dark fireball that came out of nowhere. The slime clung to a nearby tree, ncing at the man who had appeared. It tried to attack again, shooting out a squid-like ink, but the man''s barrier easily blocked it. Calmly, the man walked forward, his eyes locked on the slime. The slime was in shock, unable to believe how sturdy the man''s barrier was. It froze in ce as the man stood directly in front of it. Without hesitation, he grabbed the slime with both hands and said, "Oh, it''s you." The slime, recognizing the voice, began to shake excitedly. It wiggled and chirped, "Kyung! Kyung!" Seojun smiled, realizing who this little creature was. "So, it''s you," he said as the slime bounced around him in excitement, shouting, "Kyung! Kyung! Kyuuu!" This was the very first monster Seojun had encountered in the Abyss¡ªa small slime that had somehow survived and found its way here. Seojun crouched down as the slime happily bounced in front of him, showing how d and excited it was to see him again. "How did you get here?" Seojun asked, curious. The slime only responded with more chirps, "Kyuu! Kyungg kyuu!" as it pointed in a certain direction. Seojun stood up, ncing at where the slime was pointing. But before he left, he turned back to Andrew and L. With a quick motion of his hand, he healed them both, restoring their strength, before turning to follow the slime. "Kyuu kyuu!" the slime called out, as if saying, "Follow me!" It bounced ahead, and Seojun followed, curious to see where it would lead. They walked through the forest until they reached the entrance of a dark cave. Seojun looked around the cave, feeling the dark energy lingering within its walls. His system chimed in, providing him with an update. [Based on the Dark Slime''s story, Host, it became the Lord of the Shadowed Ravine. It lived peacefully but decided to search for you, leaving its son as the new lord. It found the hole that Lady Serh unintentionally made leading here to Earth.] "The hole must''ve closed, so it couldn''t return to the Abyss," Seojun muttered as he gently picked up the dark slime. "Do you want to go back?" he asked. The slime shook vigorously, bouncing in his hands as it chirped, "Kyuu! Kyuu! Kyung!" [It wants to follow you, Host,] the system confirmed. Just then, a notification popped up: [Congrattions! You have entered the first phase of forming a contract! You have gained the Dark Slime trust.] Another notification followed: [Congrattions! You can now form a contract with the Dark Slime as it''s decided to follow you!] Seojun smiled. "Looks like you''re gonna be my familiar now," he said as he sat down on a rock. The dark slime bounced away happily, gathering a pile of fruits with arge leaf as a tray. It returned to Seojun, offering the fruit to him. "Thanks," Seojun said, epting the gesture. At the same time, a new window appeared in front of him, granting him ess to the Information Board. The first entry was about the phases of forming a contract: First Phase : Calming the creature and gaining its trust. Second Phase : Making it willingly follow you. Third Phase : Completing the contract and sealing the bond. "Hmm, now what next?" Seojun muttered, ncing around the cave. His system responded promptly. [The global system is giving tasks to each participant, Host. Yours isn''t sending notifications because you don''t originally have the global system. You need to check it manually.] As if on cue, a white screen appeared in front of Seojun, disying his task. Task 1 was marked asplete: Form a contract with first and second phases. Now, the next step was clear: Complete the third phase and fully form a contract. After that, a new task will appear. [I''ve done something to tweak the system, Host. Once you finish this, a new task will appear,] Seojun nodded, grabbing the dark slime and cing it in front of him. It bounced excitedly, sensing the significance of the moment. "Alright, let''s get this done." He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing on the ritual of forming a contract. The first step was to ask the creature for its agreement, an essential part of the bond. "Dark slime, do you ept bing my familiar?" Seojun asked clearly, his voice steady and calm. The dark slime bounced happily in response, its small voice chirping, "Kyuu! Kyung!" It glowed faintly, signaling its agreement. "Good," Seojun smiled. Now it was time to give it a name. "From now on, I''ll call you Sui." The moment he said the name, a surge of energy flowed between them, connecting Seojun and the dark slime. A bright glow enveloped them, sealing their bond. [Congrattions! You have sessfully formed a contract with Sui, the Dark Slime!] Seojun grinned as the light faded, and Sui bounced happily in front of him, excitedly chirping, "Kyuu! Master!" A loud ding echoed through the cave. His eyes narrowed as he turned toward the entrance. Walking out, he nced up and saw arge notification hovering in the sky. [Announcement: 30 participants have sessfully formed a contract with a beast in just an Hour.] The message glowed brightly, visible to everyone participating in the exam. Seojun smirked, watching as the numbers of those whopleted the task scrolled across the sky. Chapter 180: Chapter 180:Tasks "Hmm, it seems others are making progress as well," he muttered. Sui bounced happily next to him, its little eyes ncing up at the notification as if it understood what had just happened. --- In the sanctuary center of Sknds, the judges, along with Gideon and Thomas, were left in shock, trying to process the massive explosion they had just witnessed. The screen monitoring the participants had briefly gone nk, making it impossible to see the status of the three people in that area. "What just happened there?" Thomas murmured, leaning forward to squint at the screen. "Could it be an attack?" another judge spected, still reeling from the force of the explosion. One of the judges suddenly pointed at the screen. "Look! It''s back!" The feed came back on, showing L and Andrew lying unconscious on the ground, motionless. "What was that explosion? And where is number 601?" one of the judges asked, ncing around in confusion. Just as they were about to investigate further, the global system''s hourly announcement echoed throughout the sanctuary. [Announcement: 30 participants have sessfully formed a contract with their beasts.] Thomas, still gazing at the screen, hummed thoughtfully. "Hmm, seems like we have a lot of potential beast doctors in this batch." Then one of the judges spoke up again. "Number 601''s camera has been fixed. He just formed a contract with... a dark slime?" "A dark slime? He formed a contract with a monster?" another judge echoed in disbelief. "Yeah, but slimes are the weakest of all creatures," scoffed a different judge. "He wasted his mana. He should''ve gone after something stronger. It''s a joke." Gideon, however, didn''t join in the mockery. Instead, he frowned as he studied the screen. "Wait a minute... Last time I checked, there were no dark slimes in Sknds. Where did that onee from?" he thought to himself, flipping open his folder to check participant profiles. He scanned the file for Number 601 and muttered, "His name... it sounds familiar." One of the judges chuckled and spoke up, "He''s the F-rank returnee, Mr. Gideon. The one who''s friends with the Ford twins." One judge scoffed, shaking his head looking at Seojun folder. "His rank rise, He managed to rise to E-rank, but it looks like he still can''t break through. Forming a contract with the weakest creature possible? A slime?" Another judge leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Yeah, it''s like he''s stuck. Sure, he''s E-rank now, but he''s not showing any potential to go higher. Wasting his time with a weak monster like that? What''s he thinking?" A third judge chimed in,ughing under his breath. "Number 602 is better than him," He said staring at Andrew that slowly waking up. The judges watched the screen disying Seojun''s progress. Unlike the others, his screen flickered in and out, the connection unstable. asionally, static interrupted the feed, and even when the picture returned, the sound remained absent. "What''s with his screen?" one of the judges grumbled. "Every other participant''s feed is fine, but this one... it''s been unstable from the start." "Yeah, and we still can''t hear a thing," another added, ring at the disy. "It''s like it''s purposely cutting us off from seeing what''s happening with him." Gideon frowned as he stared at Seojun''s flickering screen. "Strange... It''s only his screen. None of the others have this problem." One of the tech team members approached, nervously adjusting his sses. "We''ve checked the system multiple times, sir. It''s not a technical issue from our side. For some reason, Number 601''s screen is the only one experiencing interference." The judges exchanged looks, some shrugging, others unimpressed. "Well, maybe there''s just nothing important happening with him," one judge sneered. "What do we need to see? He''s only bonded with a slime." Anotherughed. "Right. It''s not like he''s going to do anything groundbreaking. Meanwhile, the others are showing real progress." The screen flickered again, and a judge sighed. "At this rate, it''s not even worth watching him." But Gideon remained silent, his eyes narrowed in thought. Something about Seojun''s situation seemed off, but he couldn''t quite put his finger on it. Meanwhile, outside in the real world, a group sat on a bench outside a convenience store, watching the entrance exam on their screens. Hannah, sipping on her drink, tilted her head and asked, "Eh, why did he choose a slime, though? There are so many stronger beasts out there." Min-seok, with his eyes glued to the screen, nodded. "Yeah, Master''s screen is so unstable. It''s hard to follow what''s happening." Kaeri, leaning back and sipping her milk tea, scoffed. "Why are you calling him ''Master''? You should be focusing on Number 1. Look, he just formed a contract with a red serpent. That''s amazing." "Wow, his beast is the biggest among the 30 participants," Jin-hyumented, sounding impressed. Hannah nced at Kaeri and asked, "By the way, where''s your brother? Haven''t seen himtely." Kaeri sighed and crossed her arms. "Hmph, ever since we got back from the US Beast Sanctuary, he hasn''t returned. Last I heard, he joined another guild." Min-seok smiled lightly. "Well, at least he''s not making life difficult for us anymore, right?" Suddenly, Jin-hyu pointed at the screen excitedly. "Look! Look! Someone just formed a contract with a Skyfire Mane Lion! That''s a another A-ss beast!" The group turned their attention back to the screen, momentarily forgetting about Seojun''s unstable feed, as they marveled at the enormous, fiery lion that appeared beside another participant. Back in Sknds, Seojun stood still, watching the dark slime bouncing happily around him. [Congrattions! You have sessfully formed a contract with the Dark Slime, Sui.] Another notification immediately followed: [ New Task: Train your contracted Dark Slime to unlock its hidden potential. Task Requirements: Complete at least 3 training sessions to evolve the Dark Slime into its next form. Rewards : Increased strength, new abilities, and bond strengthening.] Seojun raised an eyebrow and muttered, "So now I need to train Sui, huh? I wonder what kind of potential it has." The dark slime bounced around his feet, excitedly repeating, "Kyuu!" Seojun couldn''t help but smile at the little creature''s enthusiasm. Chapter 181: Chapter 181: Getting the ore Seojun nced around the cave onest time before heading toward the exit. "Hmm, but that can wait. Let''s go get my ore first," he said. The dark slime bounced beside him, responding cheerfully, "Kyuu! Okay, Master!" As they walked out of the cave, Seojun smiled, thinking, This will be much easier now that you can talk. Sui continued to bounce happily, and then Seojun''s system chimed in. [Host, I am curious why you named him Sui. Where did you get it?] Seojun considered this for a moment. "There''s no deep meaning. He just looks like a ball of water, and water in Korean is ''soo,'' so I made it Sui." [Oh, I thought it meant something else. You''re quick to think, Host,] As Seojun walked through the forest, he asked, "Now, where is it located?" [Just keep walking straight, Host,] The forest was alive with vibrant colors and sounds. Tall trees towered overhead, their leaves rustling gently in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the branches, creating beautiful patterns on the ground. Flowers of all colors bloomed along the path, filling the air with sweet scents. As Seojun continued walking, he noticed arge root sticking out of the ground. He stepped onto it and jumped down,nding softly on the mossy earth. Sui followed him, bouncing off the root andnding beside him with a cheerful "Kyuu!" "Look at this ce," Seojun said, taking in the beauty around him. "It feels so peaceful here." Birds chirped above, and the sound of a nearby stream added to the serene atmosphere. Seojun spotted colorful butterflies fluttering from flower to flower, and he couldn''t help but smile at the sight. [You''re getting closer, Host. Just a bit further,] As they walked, Seojun noticed how the forest seemed to change. The trees grew thicker, and the air felt cooler. It was as if they were entering a hidden part of the world. "This is amazing," As he stepped over anotherrge root, a person passed by on the same trail, a huge red serpent slithering behind him. The man nced at Seojun, then at Sui, the dark slime bouncing beside him, and smirked mockingly before continuing on his way. Sui immediately noticed. "Kyuu! Did you see that, Master?! Kyung! He''s mocking us!" The little slime began to bounce in frustration, ready to attack the man and his serpent. But Seojun calmly caught Sui in mid-air before it could do anything rash. "His camera will see us. You need to learn not to get worked up over simple mocking," Seojun said softly, lowering Sui back to the ground. "Kyung! But, Master..." Sui muttered, still agitated. Just then, Seojun''s system chimed in. [I have managed to prevent us from being fully watched by the cameras. If we encounter other people, their cameras will still capture us and hear us. But not me¡ªonly host and your guardian can hear me.] Seojun ncing at Sui, who had calmed down a little but still looked upset. "See, Sui? We don''t need to react to every small thing." Sui gave a small bounce and muttered, "Kyuu... Okay, Master, Kyuuu but What is a system?" As Seojun and Sui continued walking, Sui tilted its tiny head and asked, "Kyuu... what is a system, Master?" [I was once a god who was punished and turned into a book that was passed down through your master''s family for generations. Over time, I evolved into what I am now¡ªa system.] Sui blinked at the floating screen. "Kyuuu... what?" It said, staring nkly, clearly confused. The system, slightly annoyed, added, [Honestly, this is why exining things to monsters is difficult...] Seojun chuckled softly and patted Sui to calm him down. "Sui, it''s okay. The system is a bitplicated for you since you lived in the Abyss. You''ll understand more as we go." "Kyuuu I wanna understand it Master," "Don''t worry, We''ll exin it moreter." [Tsk, whatever... Anyway, host, look up.] The system grumbled, still a bit irritated. Seojun looked up and saw several small sknds floating in the sky, some with waterfalls flowing downwards like ribbons. It was quite the sight. [In the middle sknd is where the ore you need is located,] "Hmm, block the camera," Seojun ordered. Instantly, the camera feed that was tracking him went dark, disying a "No Signal" message for those watching. Without hesitation, Seojun disappeared, teleporting to the edge of the middle sknd. But just as hended, a tail suddenly struck him from the side. He managed to block it with his arm, but the force sent him flying across the sknd. [Host, did I forget to mention? There''s a small w in your teleportation technique. After teleporting, you can''t move or defend yourself for five seconds¡ªkind of like a dy.] "You didn''t mention that, System," Seojun muttered as he grabbed a branch mid-flight. Using his momentum, he swung around andnded gracefully on the ground, shaking off the surprise attack. He narrowed his eyes, scanning the area for the source of the tail. Seojun dusted himself off after being knocked back and looked up at the creature that had struck him. His eyes narrowed. The tail had scales, but it wasn''t just any ordinary beast. The creature looked like a crocodile, but much bigger. Its skin was a dark, deep green, and along its back, something glimmered¡ªshining blue patches, almost like gems embedded in its scales. Seojun quickly activated his appraisal skill. A screen shed before his eyes, revealing the creature''s name. Name: Mithril Crocodon Rank: B Description: A massive crocodilian beast with a back covered in natural mithril ore, giving it extraordinary defensive power. Its hide is nearly imprable, and the ore growing from its back makes it highly sought after. Known for its aggressive nature, it fiercely guards territories rich in rare resources. Its tail is especially dangerous, able to shatter even the strongest shields. Sui, still bouncing next to him, looked up at the beast with wide eyes. "Kyuu! Master, that''s huge! And it hit you hard! Kyuu how dare it hit my Master!" Chapter 182: Chapter 182: Getting the ore(2) Sui, seeing the Mithril Crocodon hit Seojun with its tail, became furious. "Kyuu! How dare it hit Master!" Without a second thought, Sui bounced high, aiming to attack the creature. "Sui, wait!" Seojun quickly reached out and grabbed the little slime mid-air, just in time to activate a barrier. As he did, the Crocodon shot out sharp blue scales from its back, each one gleaming like metal. Clink! Clink! The mithril scales pierced through the air, striking Seojun''s barrier. Though they didn''t break through, the force behind them was clear. Seojun jumped up to a nearby tree, dodging as three more Mithril Crocodons charged toward him, their heavy bodies shaking the ground. Once safely on a branch, Seojun looked down at Sui, who was still fuming in his hands. "Sui, you can''t just attack without thinking. Look at what we''re dealing with." "But Master," Sui protested, "you can easily kill them, right? Why bother understanding it?" Seojun shook his head, keeping his tone calm but firm. "We''re being watched, If I go around destroying everything, it''ll draw too much attention. We need to act properly." Sui blinked and seemed to settle down a bit. "Kyuu... Okay Master," Seojun gently patted Sui''s head and smiled. "It''s not fair to the others either, Sui. We''re still in the entrance exam." "Kyuu? Not fair?" Sui looked up at him, confused. "Yeah," Seojun said, looking out at the Mithril Crocodons still circling below. "If I just overpower everything, it defeats the purpose of the test." Sui wiggled a bit, still restless. "Kyuu But they hurt you, Master. I don''t like that." "Thank you for that" Seojun nodded. "We''ll fight when we need to, but smart fighting. We can''t reveal everything too soon, especially when eyes are on us." Sui finally seemed to rx. "Okay, Master. I''ll try to be more careful." As Seojun and Sui stayed on the tree branch, the system spoke in his mind. [You''ve be soft, Host.] Seojun sighed. "I''m not being soft. I want Sui to learn, not rush into fights recklessly. He needs to judge if something''s a real threat or not. I need to teach him to recognize if they''re just beasts or... people." [Ah, I understand, Host. You''re trying to teach him control. I see your point. Also, just so you know, the ore you''re looking for is on the back of the Crocodon.] Seojun raised an eyebrow. "So, the mithril ore is on its back? Figures. Now, the real question is, how do I get it without drawing too much attention? What about the camera?" [I can''t block it all the time, Host. If I keep interfering, they''ll suspect something is off, and that could lead to bigger problems...] Seojun rubbed his chin, thinking. "Hmm... I need to find a way to make this look natural, like it''s all part of the test. Maybe I can get the ore without drawing too much suspicion, or I''ll need to take these creatures down quietly." Sui, still bouncing lightly, looked up at him. "Kyuu! We''ll get the shiny stuff, Master?" Seojun smiled at Sui''s excitement. "Yeah," [Host, just so you know, every time I interfere with the camera, the feed will be back in 10 seconds. The judges are watching closely.] Seojun nodded in understanding. "Got it. I''ll need to make this quick." Minutes passed as Seojun and Sui waited in the tree, watching the crocodons below. [Now, Host.] Without wasting a moment, Seojun jumped down,nding directly on the head of one of the crocodons. His impact forced the beast''s head to sink into the ground, momentarily stunning it. As expected, the mithril scales shot out from the creature''s back, but Seojun had already activated his barrier, deflecting the deadly projectiles. The crocodon thrashed beneath him, but it was no match for Seojun''s strength. Even though it couldn''t fight back, the mithril scales shot out automatically, trying to break through his defenses. Seojun''s barrier shimmered fiercely as it absorbed the blows. As the 10 seconds passed, Seojun teleported back to the safety of the tree. Hended lightly on a branch and sighed, ncing at his fading barrier. "Now that I''ve noticed, those mithril scales are affecting my barrier." As Seojun dismissed the barrier, the mithril scales, which had been scattered around, were immediately sucked back into the crocodon''s back, as if drawn by some maic force. [Host, if you''ve regain your full potential, it would be impossible for the scales to pierce your barrier. However, mithril is an incredibly sturdy and unique material. It''s known for its ability to cut through most defenses, especially magical ones like your barrier. It''s one of the reasons why it''s so highly sought after in crafting powerful weapons and armor.] "So that''s why...My sword is so powerful." [But don''t worry, Host, under normal circumstances, your barrier would hold strong. This mithril is rare for a reason.] A loud ding echoed across the sky, and a white notification screen appeared above, shing brightly. The Global system written announced. [Congrattions! The Mithril Small Sknds has been discovered!] Seojun frowned. "Shouldn''t it have notified when I first got here." [Remember, Host, you aren''t really connected to the global system. You''re not counted in this announcement. Probably, the ones who saw you arrive here are now confused.] Then, A figure riding arge eagle beast swooped down from above. From another direction, more people began arriving, eager and excited by the announcement. "Damn! Look at those mithrils!" someone shouted from the crowd. "I don''t even care if I pass the exam anymore. Just one piece of that mithril is enough for me!" another murmured. "Yeah, even a small shard of that ore could make me rich!" More murmurs filled the air as people eyed the shining blue scales on the crocodons'' backs. They were calcting their chances, hunger in their eyes as they thought about how valuable the mithril was. Seojun whispered to himself, "So many people already." Sui, who had been bouncing beside him, piped up, "Kyuuu! Want me to kill them, Master? Kyuuu!" His little form tensed, ready to leap into action. Seojun ced a calming hand on Sui, his expression calm but firm. "No, Sui. We don''t need to cause unnecessary trouble. Let''s avoid drawing too much attention to ourselves." Chapter 183: Chapter 183: Training Sui Seojun muttered to himself, "So many cameras..." He stayed perched in the tree, watching as more and more people arrived, each attempting to fight the mithril crocodons. Many had their own beasts, urging them into battle, but most of them rushed in without a n. One by one, their numbers crossed out. Shaking his head, Seojun jumped down from the tree and walked a bit away from the chaotic scene. "This might be a good time to start training you, Sui," Sui immediately bounced with excitement, his body jiggling as he replied, "Kyuuu! I''ll do my best, Master! Kyuuu!" Seojun smiled at Sui''s eagerness and opened the system notification to check the new task he got earlier. [ New Task: Train your contracted Dark Slime to unlock its hidden potential. Task Requirements: Complete at least 3 training sessions to evolve the Dark Slime into its next form. Rewards : Increased strength, new abilities, and bond strengthening.] Seojun then tapped the highlighted words ''three training sessions'' and more details appeared: 1. Combat mastery : Engage in controlledbat to increase agility and attack precision. 2. Elemental absorption : Teach the Dark Slime to absorb and utilize different elements in battle. 3. Defensive enhancement: Improve the slime''s defensive capabilities by reinforcing its core stability. Seojun read through the list, nodding to himself. "We''ll start withbat mastery, Are you ready Sui?" "Kyuu! Yes Master!" Seojun then notice tapped that the training session is highlighted too and he tapped the "Combat Mastery" on the task screen, and more detailed instructions appeared: Combat Mastery Training: STAGE 1: Engage your Dark Slime in small-scale battles. Focus on agility and dodging. Sui must avoid taking direct hits while keeping pressure on the target. Rmended duration: 5 minutes per session. STAGE 2: Teach Sui to enhance his attack timing and aim for critical points. Focus on striking vulnerable spots on the enemy. The goal is tond at least 3 critical hits in one battle. STAGE 3: Increase Sui''s endurance and teach him to fight multiple opponents. Focus onbining agility, defense, and offense. Rmended targets: Creatures with defensive abilities or groups of weaker enemies. "Kyuu! What''s all that, Master?" Sui asked, tilting up at the screen curiously. "Combat training for you," Seojun exined, scanning the details. "Kyuu! I can do it, Master!" "Hmm," Seojun muttered, ncing at the instructions on the task screen again. "So, Should we follow this Global system''s instructions or do it my way?" He paused for a moment, thinking. "Nah, let''s try following it. If it doesn''t work, we''ll do it my way." "Kyuu! I trust you, Master!" Sui bounced, eager to start the next stage of the training. Seojun looked around the area, scanning for any lower-level creatures that Sui could train with. After a few moments, he noticed a group of smaller crocodons in the distance, their scales still shimmering but not as intensely as therger ones. "Hmm, that looks more manageable," he muttered, activating his appraisal skill to get more information. Name: Silver-Scale Crocodon Rank: D Description: This smaller variant of the Mithril Crocodon has silver scales instead of mithril. While its defense is weaker, it still has sharp ws and shoots scales when threatened. "Perfect," Seojun said, turning to Sui. "This one''s not mithril, just a lower-rank Silver-Scale Crocodon. It should be good for your first training." "Kyuu! Let''s go, Master!" Sui bounced excitedly, ready to begin. Seojun let the task screen open, showing the first stage of the training: --- Stage 1: Engage your Dark Slime in small-scale battles. Focus on agility and dodging. Sui must avoid taking direct hits while keeping pressure on the target. Rmended duration: 5 minutes per session. After reading the instructions, Seojun walked to the side, keeping a watchful eye on Sui and nced at the smaller Silver-Scale Crocodon in the distance nibbling on a mushroom. "Alright, Sui," Seojun said in a calm voice. "For this training, we''re going to focus on agility and dodging. No attacking, just avoiding hits. Understand?" "Kyuu! Agility! No attacks, got it!" Sui bounced in agreement, preparing to follow Seojun''s orders. Seojun watched closely as Sui began the task, engaging with the Silver-Scale Crocodon by drawing its attention. But it quickly became clear that Sui''s movements were a bit sluggish¡ªhe was having trouble dodging effectively, often moving toote or too slowly to avoid the crocodon''s swipes. "Hmm... Sui''s agility isn''t great," Seojun thought, realizing he hadn''t fully appraised Sui yet so he activated his appraisal skill. Name: Sui (Familiar) Type: Dark Slime Rank: D Strength: F Agility: E Stamina: D Mana: A Seojun frowned as he reviewed the stats. Sui''s agility was lower than he expected, and it exined why dodging was difficult. However, his mana was extremely high¡ªsomething that could be usefulter on. Seojun muttered to himself, "Sui seems weaker than before." Just then, his system chimed in with a calm voice. [Host, Sui is affected by the energy of this realm. When he arrived here, he was reset to a lower state. However, his skills are still intact, and he can still use them.] "That exins it," Seojun replied, nodding. "This could be Sui''s weakness in this new world." [Host, I advise you to be strict during training to help Sui adapt and improve.] Seojun took a deep breath, realizing he needed to take the training seriously. "I guess I have to. I''m sorry, Sui. But this is for your own good." Turning his attention back to Sui, Seojun began the training session. "Okay, Sui! Focus on dodging. I want you to watch the crocodon''s movements carefully and respond quickly!" Sui nodded eagerly, his eyes fixed on the smaller Silver-Scale Crocodon as it moved around. Seojun watched closely, taking note of how Sui was dodging. "Don''t just wait for it to attack! Anticipate its movements! Move side to side!" Seojun shouted, his voice firm. As the crocodon lunged, Sui tried to dodge but stumbled. "No, no! You need to be quicker!" Seojun encouraged. "Get ready! Jump to the left!" Sui sprang to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding the crocodon''s sharp teeth. "Good! Now, keep moving! Don''t stand still!" Seojun called out, feeling more determined to push Sui. "Use your slime body to be flexible! You can stretch and squeeze your way around its attacks!" Sui began to mimic Seojun''s instructions, using his gtinous body to slip under the crocodon''s swipes. "Kyuu! I''m trying my best, Master!" he eximed, bouncing excitedly. "Focus! Remember, you can''t get hit!" Seojun said, feeling a mix of concern and encouragement. "If you get hit, we might not have another chance! Keep your eyes on the target!" Sui listened intently, improving as the training session continued. Seojun shouted outmands, guiding Sui''s movements with precision. "Now! Jump over the tail! Don''t just dodge; leap over it!" As Sui executed the jump, Seojun pped. "Yes! That''s it! You''re getting the hang of it!" They continued the training, with Seojun emphasizing the importance of timing and observation. He made Sui repeat the drills, pushing him to engage more effectively with the crocodon that is now five. "Four more minutes! Keep going, Sui! You''re doing great!" Seojun cheered, feeling proud of his progress. As they trained, he noticed Sui''s movements bing sharper and more confident. With each sessful dodge, Seojun felt a sense of hope that Sui would regain his strength and be even stronger than before. Chapter 184: Chapter 184: Familiar Vs. Familar The training session finally came to an end. Sui was panting and looked tired, but there was a spark of determination in his eyes. [Camera''s blocked, Host.] The system announced, and in an instant, Seojun teleported in front of Sui. He kicked off the nearest Silver-Scale Crocodon, sending it crashing into a tree with a loud thud. Sui tried to catch his breath, "K-Kyuu¡­ Master! How did I do?" His voice was shaky, and he could barely speak properly after all the training. "You did great" Seojun encouraged, giving Sui a gentle pat on the head. "Your dodging improved a lot." "Really?" Sui perked up, a little excited despite his exhaustion. "I-I thought I messed up when I tripped earlier kyuu¡­" "Everyone makes mistakes, Sui. What matters is that you kept going and learned from them," Seojun replied, smiling. "You dodged all the attacks." "Kyuu! I''ll get even better next time!" Sui dered, his energy returning slightly. "Can we train more? I want to get stronger!" "Of course, but we need to take a break first," Seojun said, noticing how tired Sui was. "You''ve done enough for today. Let''s eat something and rest." Sui nodded, a little disappointed but understanding. "Kyuu Okay, Master. But I promise I''ll train harder next time kyuu! How can i protect Master when I became weak!" As Seojun and Sui were about to rest, they suddenly heard loudughter, they turned to see three people walking toward them, their hands filled with shining mithril ore. "Look at that pathetic slime! Are you serious? A slime as a familiar?!" one of the mockers jeered, pointing at Sui and bursting intoughter again. "Yeah! What a joke! What kind of training is that supposed to be?" another person chimed in, crossing his arms. "You really think that thing can fight?" The third person stepped closer, smirking. "You should just give up. Slimes are useless! I can''t believe you''re wasting your time on that." "Useless Master even had a Useless familiar" the first one added, shaking his head. "You could at least get a proper familiar. What''s next? A pet rock?" As the three people continued tough, Sui''s eyes narrowed, and he looked ready to pounce. '' They''re mocking my master Kyuu!'' But then he remembered Seojun''s words: "Kyuu Master said that Don''t get worked up at simple mocking Kyuu" "Just give up and leave the fighting to the real familiars. You''re embarrassing yourself!" the second one shouted,ughing even harder. Seojun stood quietly, He thought about what to do with those three but decided not to do anything. He wanted to see if Sui would listen to his earlier advice. A small smile formed on his lips as he observed Sui shaking, trying hard not to attack. Good job, Sui, he thought, feeling proud of his familiar''s restraint. "Kyuu! Master, I want to fight them!" Sui eximed, jumping up and down in excitement. Seojun patted Sui''s head gently. "You did a good job not getting affected by them," he praised. "Because you said it, Master, kyuu! But it''s so hard!" Sui replied, his teary eyes betraying his frustration. Seojun realized that Sui was simr to a kid who got worked up easily. Then, one of the them stepped forward, smirking. "Then I select your slime for my familiar task, and you can''t deny it!" he dered confidently. [Everyone has different tasks assigned, Host. It looks like their familiars'' next task is to fight with other familiars.] "Master, kyuu! I ept it!" Sui said, brimming with determination. "Kyuu kyuu kyuu! Hahaha! Is that all your slime can do?" the mockerughed, clearly enjoying the moment. Since Sui spoke in kyuu sounds, the others couldn''t understand what he said. "I think he can only win by cuteness!" another mocked, joining in on theughter. Seojun sighed, sliding down the task screen to check Sui''s next training. The new task read: Stage 2: Teach Sui to enhance his attack timing and aim for critical points. Focus on striking vulnerable spots on the enemy. The goal is tond at least 3 critical hits in one battle. "Please, kyuu, Master!" Sui urged, looking up at Seojun with big, hopeful eyes. "Okay, let''s do it," Seojun epted, ready to support his familiar. Just then, a loud ding in the white screen above them. Announcement: First Familiar vs. Familiar Battle! ?? The moment has arrived! The participants and their masters are now being summoned to the FVF Arena for the inaugural Familiar vs. Familiar Battle! ?? Participants: Sui, The Dark Slime Shadow, The shadow Wisp Types of Defeat: Out of Arena Surrender Killed With that, a magic circle glowed beneath them, summoning them back to the Mithril Sknds. Theynded in arge arena, surrounded by thick trees and lush greenery. Sui and the familiar of the mocker stood on opposite sides of a square stage, while Seojun and the mocker watched from the ground below. Seojun sighed, noticing how they were gaining attention again, probably a lot will watch them as this is the first Familiar VS. Familiar in the entrance exam. Seojun stood beside the square stage with Sui hovering above it, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. Although the arena was mostly empty at first, he could sense that people would be arriving soon to watch the spectacle unfold. "Alright, Sui," Seojun said, his voice calm but firm. "Apply everything from your first training session. For stage 2, you''ll focus on striking vulnerable spots on your opponent. The goal is tond at least three critical hits." "Kyuu! Okay, Master! But what skill should I use?" Sui asked eagerly, bouncing in ce. Seojun pulled up Sui''s skill list to check what abilities he had. Acid Ssh Shadow Maniption Dark Pulse Shadow Meld Shadow Drain Dark Shield and more. "You have so many skills," Seojun muttered in surprise. "Kyuu! That''s because I want to be the strongest! With that, I became the Shadowed Ravine Lord. But now that I''ve arrived here, I can''t use some of my skills because they hurt me," Sui said, a hint of sadness in his voice. Seojun thought for a moment. "Hmm, all your skills are a bit too powerful for your rank. To avoid confusion with everyone watching, just use this one," "Kyuu! Okay, Master!" Sui responded, his energy returning as he prepared for battle. As they stood at the edge of the arena, the opposing familiar''s master shouted, mocking them. "What are you talking about? Escaping? Is that all your slime can do?" Laughter erupted from the small group of onlookers who had started to gather, and Seojun felt a wave of pressure. Theughter grew louder as more people arrived, their eyes glinting with excitement and anticipation. "Why did he ept his duel? Is he crazy?" "Maybe, Who''s idiot would let his familiar fiht a obviously strong familiar" "I''ll make your slime cry Just wait until my familiar crushes it! You''ll be begging for mercy!" Seojun nced at Sui, who was shaking slightly, trying to keep hisposure despite the taunts. Chapter 185: Chapter 185: Slime Vs. Shadow Wisp As the crowd continued to gather in the arena, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The entrance exam was being live-broadcasted to non-awakened people, who could only watch through the ounts of their awakeners that recording it. Phones were held up, and thements flowed in. "Slime vs. Shadow Wisp?" one viewer read aloud, his voice filled with disbelief. "Is the slime''s master an idiot? Didn''t he see the difference between his slime and the Shadow Wisp?" another friend replied, shaking his head. "Poor slime," a third viewer chimed in, their toneced with sympathy. "The slime is going to get killed! Wait, what happens to the slime then?" one of them wondered, his eyes glued to the screen. "I think that''s why he''s not scared," his friend responded thoughtfully. "His slime will die in battle, but it''lle back to life again. If it does, he can''t form a contract with it anymore, though. He''d have to find another familiar." "Geez, that''s sad," the first viewer sighed. "Forming a contract with a slime just means he has low mana." They nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting a mix of concern and curiosity about the battle unfolding before them. They continued to watch as Seojun stood confidently beside Sui, who was getting ready to face the Shadow Wisp on the other side of the arena. As the countdown began, the viewers could only specte about what might happen next. Would Sui manage to surprise everyone, or would the odds prove too great for the little slime? As the battle was about to start, some of the people watching got frustrated. "Ugh, it''s boring. Let''s watch someone else!" one of them said, already switching to another live stream. "Yeah, we already know who''s going to win," another agreed, turning off the match and looking for other participants. But Seojun stayed focused on the task at hand. He appraised the familiar in front of them. Name: Shadow Wisp Rank: C Description: It can blend into shadows, bing nearly invisible and difficult to target. Known for its quick movements, it uses stealth and agility to outmaneuver opponents. The Wisp can absorb light to create areas of darkness that disorient enemies, enhancing its tactical advantage in battles. Seojun narrowed his eyes. "It''s shadow versus shadow, but it''s only one rank higher than Sui," he muttered. The Shadow Wisp floated in the air, moving smoothly. It looked intimidating, especially with its insect-like wings that gave it an otherworldly presence. The Shadow Wisp resembles arge, floating insect with a body made of dark mist. Its shape is simr to that of a giant moth, with translucent, glowing wings. The master of the Shadow Wisp stood confidently with a wicked grin. He looked at his familiar and said, "I only care about the mithril so I enter this Entrance exam. Once I defeat that slime, The guilds will notice me and recruit me hahaha! They will run and fight to get me!" Heughed darkly, his eyes glinting with excitement. "Let''s show that slime what real power looks like! Shadow, destroy it! Make that little creature suffer! I want it to feel hopeless before it loses!" The Shadow Wisp floated in ce, its dark form pulsing with energy. It seemed to understand its master''s words, ready to unleash its power against Sui. The master continued, "With every hit, make it cry! Let everyone see how weak it truly is!" He couldn''t help but smirk at the thought of the attention he would get. "Once the battle is over, I''ll be the talk of the arena. They''ll all know my name!" As the crowd began to gather, the master prepared for the battle, eager to prove his strength and im the mithril prize. In the center of the forest sanctuary, the judges Gideon, Thomas, and the others felt a dark energy rising. They sensed the Shadow Wisp master ill intent, which made them uneasy. "What are we going to do about him?" one judge asked, worry in his voice. "We''ll observe and see if he deserves to have a familiar," Thomas replied. He didn''t like how the master used his familiar for greedy reasons. He believed everyone should treasure their familiars and treat them like family. The way the Shadow Wisp''s master acted felt wrong to him. "He''s not even interested in this; he has another purpose," Gideonmented, watching the scene unfold. Suddenly, the Shadow Wisp''s master shouted, "Kill that slime, Shadow!" The Shadow Wisp shot forward with incredible speed. At that moment, Sui''s instincts kicked in. "Kyuu!" he squeaked as he jumped back, narrowly avoiding the first attack. The Shadow Wisp flew straight at him, its shadowy tendrils reaching out like dark ws. He crouched low and watched the Wisp closely. When it lunged again, Sui rolled to the side, just missing the attack. The ground shook slightly as the Shadow Wisp crashed into the spot where he had been standing. "Kyuu! That was close!" Sui eximed, bouncing back up. He focused on the rhythm of the battle. The Shadow Wisp was fast, but Sui had agility on his side. The Wisp flew around, trying to catch Sui off guard. It struck again, but Sui jumped up, flipping over the shadowy creature. The crowd gasped at his quick movements. Sui felt the adrenaline rush through him. He dashed left and right, weaving through the air as he dodged the Wisp''s attacks. "Kyuu!" But just as he thought he had the upper hand, the Shadow Wisp blended into the shadows, bing nearly invisible. Sui''s eyes widened in shock as he realized it had vanished before him. Just as he attempted to refocus, the Wisp reappeared in a sh,unching a sudden, unexpected strike. "Kyuu!" Sui cried out as the dark tendril caught him off guard, mming into him with surprising force. He was knocked back, his form sttering against the ground. He felt a moment of pain, but it quickly faded. He struggled to regain his bnce, his confidence shaken but not broken. Chapter 186: Chapter 186: It call her Suiy on the ground, feeling sad as tears welled up in his tiny eyes. He had really wanted to win, especially after hearing that guy insult his master. The little slime trembled as he let out a soft cry. "Kyuu¡­ kyuuu¡­" he sobbed, his voice filled with sadness. Suddenly, Sui felt himself being lifted off the ground. When he looked up, he saw Seojun smiling gently at him. "You did a great job, Sui. I''m proud of you," Seojun said. Sui''s eyes widened, and he almost burst into tears again, this time from happiness. He jumped onto Seojun''s face, his tiny body wobbling with excitement. "Kyuuu! Kyuuu! I really wanted to defeat him, Master!" Sui cried, nuzzling Seojun''s cheek. As the crowd began to disperse, leaving the arena to return to their previous activities, Seojun pointed toward the Shadow Wisp. "You did defeat him, Sui. Look." Sui turned and saw the Shadow Wisp being kicked and beaten by its own master, who was angrily shouting, "Useless creature! How dare you lose to a mere slime? You''re a disgrace!" The cruel words made Sui''s little heart ache. "He knows that you won and is ming the Wisp," Seojun said, his tone growing a bit serious. "Kyuu! Master, let''s do something!" Sui cried out as he leapt down to the ground, ready to act. Before Sui could rush forward, the system intervened, blocking his view of the area and hiding the other guy from sight. When the view cleared, Sui realized there was no one else left around. In the blink of an eye, Seojun teleported behind the angry man, grabbing his cor and then letting go, causing the man to fly backward and crash into a tree with a thud. The impact left him stunned as he struggled to get back up. Meanwhile, Sui bounced over to the Shadow Wisp, who was lying on the ground, having a hard time standing. Seojun crouched beside the weakened creature and gently ced his hand on it, channeling healing energy. "What are you doing to my familiar?! Mind your own business, you fool!" the man shouted angrily, threwing a punch at Seojun. Before the attack could reach, Sui leapt from the ground and intercepted it, knocking the man back with a forceful bounce. "Kyuuu!" Sui cried as he shielded Seojun and the Shadow Wisp from harm. Seojun stood up, turning his gaze toward the man, who was still ring angrily. Sui shook with anger, extending a long slime arm toward the man. A ball of dark energy started to form at the tip of Sui''s outstretched limb, growing darker and more menacing by the second. Just as Sui was about to unleash the attack, Seojun flicked his finger, causing the dark ball to vanish instantly. Sui blinked in surprise, his anger fading into shock. "Calm down, Sui," Seojun said firmly. "It''s over now. The cameras'' time is up, so we''re not blocked anymore." The man, still furious, shouted, "Why are you meddling in our business?! Shadow! Get over here, you worthless creature!" He snarled, pointing at the Shadow Wisp. Sui nced at the Wisp, trying to reach out to it. "No, don''t go, kyuuu! He doesn''t deserve you," Sui said, his voice trembling with concern. But the Shadow Wisp didn''t respond. It floated back toward its master, ignoring Seojun and Suipletely. As it reached the man, he began tough mockingly. "See? Even a dumb creature like that knows who its master is," he sneered. In the Sknd Center Sanctuary, the atmosphere was tense. Thomas suddenly stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. "Damn it!" "Wait, Sir Thomas, the camera is back!" one of the judges said, turning the attention back to therge screen. The judges were met with a confusing sight¡ªthe Shadow Wisp was now with Seojun, hovering close to him and the slime, while the Wisp''s master stood injured and furious in the background. The judges exchanged bewildered nces. "What happened while the cameras were down?" one asked, struggling to piece together the scene. "Why is #601 doing in there?" Before anyone could answer, the Wisp''s master shouted angrily, "Why are you meddling in our business?! Shadow! Get over here, you worthless creature!" He waved his arm toward the Wisp,manding it to return to him. The Shadow Wisp hesitated for a moment before it began floating towards its master. Seeing this, one of the judges murmured, "Are familiars always that loyal to their masters?" There was a note of pity in the judge''s voice. Gideon cleared his throat and exined, "Familiars are bound by contract to serve their master, but they are not mindless. They can sense emotions, intentions, and fairness." "Poor Shadow Wisp," another judge whispered, watching as the creature approached its master. "What are you going to do now, Sir Thomas? Sir Gideon?" As the Wisp reached its master, The Wisp''s master, growing impatient, reached out as if to grab it. The judges gasped in surprise, and Gideon stood up as well. "He doesn''t deserve a familiar," Gideon said sternly. "He''s eliminated." As he prepared to teleport down to the scene, Thomas spoke up. "Wait, look closely. It brought out the Caller" The Wisp dodged his grasp. It pulled out a small violet crystal from within itself, holding it in the air. "What is that?" the Wisp''s master barked, his face twisting with confusion. "What are you doing, you stupid creature?!" All eyes were on the Shadow Wisp as it held the small violet crystal. The Wisp stared at its master for a long moment, then, with a sudden and decisive motion, smashed the crystal against the ground. Thomas and Gideon both breathed a sigh of relief, saying in unison, "Good thing, it called the Mother." "The Mother?" the other judges echoed in confusion. Thomas turned to exin, "Every familiar carries a small violet crystal known as a Caller. When they break it, they summon her¡ªthe Mother of Familiars, who watches over all contracts and can intervene in cases of severe mistreatment." Back in the arena, the Wisp''s master raised his hands to shield his eyes as a bright white light began to fill the area, apanied by a swirling small tornado of energy. The light grew stronger, forcing him to stumble back and fall to the ground, his face contorted in fear and disbelief. The atmosphere buzzed with an intense energy, signaling the arrival of someone¡ªor something¡ªpowerful. Chapter 187: Chapter 187: Contract Eliminated As the light faded, a massive creature emerged¡ªa human-sized Fenrir with white fur, blue eyes, and nine flowing tails swaying behind it. A blue mark glowed on its forehead, exuding a regal presence. The Wisp''s master squinted, disbelief twisting his features. "What the...? A Fenrir? But it has nine tails! A fox?!" The Shadow Wisp floated shakily toward the Fenrir, its small form trembling as it began to cry. The Fenrir wrapped it up gently, using its tails to hug andfort the Wisp, sheltering it close. The Wisp''s master, regaining hisposure, staggered to his feet and shouted angrily, "Hey! Give me back my familiar, you fox-fenrir!" But as the Fenrir finishedforting the Wisp and turned its gaze upon him, a cold shiver ran down his spine. The intensity of its stare felt like it pierced straight into his soul. Its overwhelming aura pressed down on him, so suffocatingly heavy that he stumbled backward, his knees almost buckling. "W-what do you want?!" he shouted, his voice tinged with fear. "Why are you doing this to me?!" The Fenrir''s voice was calm and powerful as it spoke, "You do not deserve my child." The man''s eyes widened in horror as he felt a sharp pain in his chest, gasping as if something vital had been ripped away. He clutched his chest, trying to understand what was happening. When he looked up, he saw a golden piece of paper floating in the air. His face paled as recognition set in. "T-the Familiar Contract!" he stammered, the words catching in his throat. Desperation filled his voice as he shouted, "W-what are you doing?! Give it back to me!" The Fenrir only stared at him coldly, and another wave of pain surged through his chest, making him double over. "W-what''s going on...?" he gasped. Then, with a swift motion, the Fenrir bit into the Familiar Contract, tearing it into pieces. The man screamed, "No! What have you done?!" A notification showed up to him [Familiar Contract terminated.] The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, and he fell to his knees, his face etched with despair. The bond was gone, and there was nothing he could do to get it back. The Shadow Wisp bowed to the Fenrir, showing its gratitude before beginning to fly away. However, the man struggled back to his feet, shouting in anger, "Where do you think you''re going?! Come here!" He reached out to grab the Wisp, but the familiar turned andunched a swift attack. Dark energy mmed into him, sending him crashing into a nearby tree. He copsed to the ground, stunned and shocked that his own familiar had attacked him. The spectators who had witnessed the scene felt a sense of satisfaction. Many murmured to each other that the man deserved what happened. Meanwhile, Seojun leaned casually against a tree. The camera monitoring the area was now blocked, and he spoke quietly, "How''s Mom?" In front of him, the Fenrir-Fox transformed into a small cat-like form, with blue eyes still glowing softly. "She''s okay, Master," it answered. "I want to stay, but the summon onlysts for one minute. A favor, Master... Can you punish him?" "You don''t have to ask, Nymira," "Thank you, Master," Nymira replied, bowing her small head. "As I was summoned as the Mother, I have no right to attack him. Be careful, Master. We''ll be waiting for you." With that, Nymira''s form shimmered and disappeared from sight. The camera''s view switched back, and Seojun turned to pick up Sui, who was eagerly waiting by his side. "You want him?" he asked. Sui''s eyes gleamed with determination. "Kyuu! Yes, please, Master!" he eximed, nodding vigorously. Seojun''s smile widened slightly as he watched his little slime''s eagerness. "Then let''s give him what he deserves." Seojun''s system spoke up, "I''ll cover the cameras and block the live feed for 3 minutes. After that, I won''t be able to cover it again." Seojun nodded. "That''s enough time." He nced down at Sui, who was practically vibrating with anticipation. "Let''s wait a little." The minutes ticked by slowly. The man who had been shouting and hitting the tree had now started pacing, his frustration growing with every second. He had no idea that the cameras were blocked. Finally, the system''s voice rang out, "Now, Host." Seojun''s eyes narrowed, and he looked at Sui. "Go ahead." "Kyuu!" Sui shot forward, moving swiftly toward the man, who noticed the slime toote. Before he could react, Sui had already mmed into him, knocking him off his feet. He stumbled back, falling to the ground with a grunt. "W-what is this?!" the man yelled, scrambling to get up. "You...! How dare you?!" Seojun approached slowly, his gaze cold and unforgiving. "This is for how you''ve treated your familiar And for thinking you could continue to mistreat others without consequences." Sui hovered nearby, glowing faintly as it prepared to strike again. The man attempted to get up and run, but Suished out with a dark energy pulse, sending him crashing back to the ground. He groaned in pain, unable to find the strength to stand again. Seojun stepped closer, looking down at him. "Apologize to the Wisp, or this will get worse." The man struggled to his feet, ring defiantly at Seojun and Sui. "Why should I apologize to that useless creature?" he spat. "The Wisp was weak, that''s why it left me! It''s worthless!" Sui''s eyes glowed with anger, and without waiting for Seojun''smand, it darted forward, striking the man with a powerful hit that sent him tumbling back to the ground. "Kyuu!" Sui cried, mming into him again and again, knocking the air out of his lungs. Each hit was harder than thest, leaving the man gasping and bruised. "Stop! You filthy slime!" he shouted, trying to crawl away, but Sui wouldn''t relent. It bounced forward, using its dark energy to st him backward, leaving him lying motionless on the ground. Still, the man struggled, using what little strength he had left to push himself up. But his legs wobbled, and he could barely stay upright. Seojun walked over and squatted down beside him. "You''re done," he said, ncing over at Sui. "Sui, go behind the tree." "Kyuu, Yes Master" Sui responded, giving onest re to the man before bouncing away to wait behind the tree, still glowing with faint dark energy. Chapter 188: Chapter 188: Acting time Seojun nced at the timer disyed by his system¡ªonly a minute had passed since he started covering the camera. He couldn''t afford much more time. Grabbing the man by the hair, he yanked his head back and leaned closer. "If I had more time, I''d like to punish you much longer," . The beaten man, barely conscious, struggled to speak. "W-Who are you¡­? Why¡­ are you doing this¡­ to me? Are you a member of¡ª" His words were cut short when Seojun''s system interrupted. [Host, Gideon the Dragonoid is preparing to teleport to your location,] "Tsk," Seojun clicked his tongue in annoyance. There wasn''t time to waste. He ced his hand on the man''s face, and ck smoke began to rise from his palm. The man''s eyes widened with horror, but no sound escaped his lips. His body trembled violently, and his face contorted with visible pain as his very soul seemed to be ripped from his body, slowly being sucked away. A momentter, the man vanished entirely, and the number disyed above his head on the screen was crossed out. Without a second to lose, Seojun teleported back to Sui and then immediately to the Mithril Sknd, appearing beside arge tree. [Good timing, Host,] the system remarked as Gideon arrived at the previous location, only to find it empty. The Dragonoid frowned, scanning the area, but there was no trace of Seojun or the man he had been dealing with. Meanwhile, as the camera cover lifted, the spectators saw Seojun being flung back by the Mithril Crocodon, crashing against the tree. He was struggling to get up, as if he had just been attacked. Gideon, appearing back in the Center sanctuary, observed the scene carefully. His brow furrowed with suspicion. "What happened? Both No.601 and 111 is covered and now nowhere to found," he muttered to himself. His gaze then shifted to the crossed-out number on the screen, belonging to the man Seojun had dealt with. "Put him in the cklist," Gideon ordered, and his assistant quickly nodded, carrying out themand. But outside the Entrance exam, it was already toote for that man. His existence had been quietly erased and he would never return. Three dayster, Seojun was walking with Sui by his side, holding a piece of the most valuable Mithril¡ªa Mithril Heart from the Crocodon Cave, taken from the Queen herself. As he strolled along, he noticed a few groups of people nearby, which made it difficult for him to move freely. The system couldn''t block the camera anymore, so he had to be careful. "Kyuu! Master, I''m hungry!" Sui whined, his small body trembling with need. Ever since the entrance exam, they had barely eaten anything other than fruits they found, and sometimes, even those were stolen by other creatures. It was lunchtime, and Seojun knew they needed something more substantial. He scanned the area and spotted a magical beast nearby. It was a massive boar-like creature, standing taller than a human with thick, dark fur and glowing red eyes. Using his appraisal skill, [STATUS] Name: Infernal RazorBack Rank: D Description: Infernal Razorback: A fire-element beast known for its tough hide and sharp tusks. Its meat is said to be exceptionally tender and vorful. "Well, Sui, looks like lunch is right in front of us," Seojun said, a small grin forming on his lips. "My acting skills will be tested," Seojun thought as he readied himself. He nced at Sui and whispered, "Go around the other side, Sui. We''ll trap it together." Sui gave a small nod, "Kyuu!" and bounced off, circling the opposite direction. Meanwhile, Seojun approached the Infernal Razorback cautiously, his expression tense, mimicking the way an E-rank awakener would approach a dangerous creature. The Infernal Razorback snorted, its red eyes locking onto Seojun. It lowered its head, ready to charge, and without warning, it lunged forward, kicking up dirt and leaves as it barreled straight toward him. Seojun''s movements were deliberate and slightly sluggish, as if he was barely able to dodge. He rolled to the side just in time, the boar''s tusks missing him by inches. "Woah, that was close!" he eximed, his voice breathy, making sure to sound as if he was struggling to catch his breath. He swung his sword, aiming for the boar''s side, but his strike was deliberately weaker than usual. The de nced off the beast''s thick hide, leaving only a shallow cut. The Infernal Razorback roared in anger and spun around, swinging one of its tusks toward Seojun, who jumped back just in time,nding on one knee. He let out a pained grunt, as if the force of the beast''s swing had nearly knocked him over. Sui, meanwhile, had positioned himself behind the boar. "Kyuu!" he cried out, leaping at the creature. The small slime formed a sharp de with his body, striking the boar''s back leg. Though it was a decent hit, the Razorback barely seemed to notice. It bucked and kicked its hind legs, sending Sui rolling backward. Seojun took this moment to spring forward again, his sword aimed at the creature''s neck. But just as he swung, the boar sidestepped, and his attack once more only grazed its hide. He stumbled making it look like he had overextended himself. The Razorback seized the opportunity and charged again, this time catching Seojun in the side. He let himself be thrown a few feet away, hitting the ground with a grunt. "Damn... This thing is tough," he muttered, loud enough for anyone who might be watching to hear. Sui bounced back into the fight, forming a spiky shield as he faced the Razorback head-on. "Kyuu! Kyuu!" he cried, trying to distract the beast. The Razorback snarled and tried to swipe at Sui with its tusks, but the little slime managed to dodge and evennd a few more minor hits. Seojun got up slowly, acting as if he was in pain. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and steadied his breathing, then moved back in, swinging his sword in a clumsy, desperate manner. His strikes seemed tock precision, and each swing seemed to take more effort than thest. But underneath the act, Seojun was calcting, watching for the perfect moment. The Infernal Razorback was tiring, its movements growing slower as it continued to fend off both Seojun and Sui. Finally, Seojun saw his opening. He swung his sword enough to finish it but unfortunately the sword he picked up from earlier broke and suddenly the Razorback jumped at him. Chapter 189: Chapter 189: Its everywhere An arrow whistled through the air, striking the beast in the eye. The force of the arrow was so strong that it pierced deep into the skull, and the Infernal Razorback let out a final, pained grunt before copsing to the ground, lifeless. Seojun blinked in surprise, ncing over his shoulder to see where the arrow hade from. The Razorback copsed from the arrow, its life fading away. Seojuny on the ground, pretending to catch his breath, and thought, Someone interrupted my movie. He turned his head to see who had shot the arrow. Standing not far away was a woman with long, flowing red hair and bright yellow eyes that seemed to pierce right through him. She was gorgeous, with a perfectly curved figure, wearing a sleek, modern outfit that hugged her body. Her clothes were made from fine materials, giving her an air of elegance, and she held a golden bow in her hand, which shimmered under the light, hinting at her wealth and status. [Host, stick to your role. The director is getting angry,] the system warned, breaking Seojun''s thoughts. Seojun shook his head, muttering, "Looks like you''re enjoying this, system." [A bit,] The woman''s gaze stayed fixed on him as she calmly remarked, "Fighting a D-rank Razorback made you that tired? Just how weak are you?" Seojun let himself fall back to the ground, breathing heavily with his eyes closed. "I take that as apliment. Phew! I thought we were done for! Thank you for that, Miss," he said, keeping up the act. The woman clicked her tongue, her footsteps moving away. Seojun opened one eye to see her leaving, then sat up, still acting exhausted. [What kind of person is your role, Host? How about trying to be a pervert?] "A pervert? Are you serious, system?" Seojun frowned. [I just thought... don''t you want a harem, Host? Like those in anime?] Seojun''s expression grew more suspicious. "Just what are you watching, system?" [...] "Don''t tell me you''re watching a henta¡ª" he began, but before he could finish, the system interrupted quickly, [Host, the food will spoil if you don''t cook it now!] Seojun raised an eyebrow. It was clear the system was trying to avoid finishing that conversation. Seojun decided not to push the system any further and let the topic go as he also don''t like that topic. He nced at Sui, who was trembling slightly while staring at the dead Razorback. "Don''t worry, Sui," he said softly. "We''re going to eat well today." Standing up, he walked over to gather some nearby branches and dry leaves. He found a couple of rocks and struck them together skillfully, creating sparks. After a few tries, the leaves caught fire, and he carefully added more branches to make the fire grow stronger. Next, Seojun approached the Razorback and began the process of preparing the meat. He worked quickly, peeling off the tough skin with a sharp knife, revealing the fresh meat underneath. He cut outrge pieces, making sure to remove any parts that were too tough or not good for eating. Once he had enough meat, he looked around and spotted a fallen tree nearby. The trunk was cut at just the right height, making it a perfect makeshift table. He ced the meat on the tree trunk and set up the fire close by. Using some of the thicker branches, he crafted a simple roasting spit and started cooking the meat over the open me, turning it carefully to make sure it cooked evenly. The smell of roasting Razorback meat soon filled the air and Seojun''s stomach also grumbled. Seojun chuckled as he turned the meat over the fire. "Looks like my role this time is a professional cook, huh, Sui?" he said with a grin. The little slime made a curious "Kyuu?" sound, tilting its head to one side. He nced around, thinking about what else he could add to make the meal more vorful. His eyes scanned the forest, searching for anything that could be used as ingredients. After a short walk nearby, he found some useful things: 1. Luminous Herb - A glowing green nt that thrived in the shadows. 2. Crimson Petals - Bright red flowers that shimmered like jewels. 3. Starlight Root - A root that sparkled like stars, known for its earthy vor. 4. Moonshade Mushrooms - These bioluminescent mushrooms grew in clusters and had a rich, savory taste. 5. Mystic Spice Berries - Small, blue berries that grew in bunches on nearby bushes. Returning to the fire, he saw Sui looking curious. "Kyuu, What are those Master?" Sui asked, eyeing the handful of magical nts and roots Seojun was carrying. "These are ingredients," Seojun exined, setting them on the makeshift table. "In a forest, you can find all sorts of things that make food taste better and give you special benefits if you know where to look. See these glowing leaves? They''re Luminous Herbs. They not only add a sweet vor but also help heal any minor wounds." He showed Sui the Crimson Petals. "These are called Crimson Petals. They add a spicy kick to our meal, and their vibrant color is a sign of their strength. You have to be careful with how much you use, though; a little goes a long way." Next, he pointed to the Starlight Root. "This one is Starlight Root. It has a nutty taste when cooked and gives you energy. We can slice it thinly and mix it with the meat." Sui nodded, absorbing the information as Seojun continued. "These Moonshade Mushrooms are bioluminescent and add a savory depth to the dish. We can chop them up and toss them in while the meat is cooking." Finally, he held up the Mystic Spice Berries. "And these small blue berries? They''ll add a tangy sweetness and help improve our stamina. A great boost after a long day of adventures!" Seojun quickly prepared the ingredients, chopping up the Luminous Herb and Crimson Petals and slicing the Starlight Root thinly. He diced the Moonshade Mushrooms and tossed everything into the pot over the fire, letting the warmth bring out all the magical vors. Seojun stirred the pot, letting the delicious aroma fill the air. "These ingredients are simr to some we have on Earth. For example, the Luminous Herb is a lot like onions. It adds sweetness and a bit of crunch. The Crimson Petals remind me of chili kes, which add a nice kick to the dish. And the Starlight Root is kind of like potatoes¡ªgreat for adding substance and vor." Sui''s eyes widened with excitement. "Wow! Kyuu! You know a lot, Master!" It bounced happily, its little body shimmering with enthusiasm. Seojun chuckled at Sui''s reaction. "Hmm, these ingredients also exist in the Abyss, though. They might look different or have different names, but their properties are quite simr. It''s funny how some things connect across worlds." He continued to stir, mixing in the Moonshade Mushrooms and adding the Mystic Spice Berries at the end for that extra tang. "Cooking is all about improvisation and knowing your ingredients is the key to making a great meal," he said, smiling at Sui. The pot bubbled away, filling the air with an enticing scent, and Seojun felt a sense of pride in his culinary skills, even in this magical world. "Once this is done, we''ll have a feast to remember" he dered, looking forward to sharing the meal with Sui. Chapter 190: Chapter 190: Chamber of Golden Guardian As the pot bubbled away, Sui bounced excitedly. "Master, I want to see!" it squeaked, eyes sparkling with anticipation. Seojun picked up Sui and turned to the pot. The aroma wafted toward them, filling the air with mouthwatering scents. "Wow! It smells good, Master! It looks delicious! Do you always cook like this in the Abyss, Host Master?! Kyuu!" Sui eximed, its tiny body vibrating with excitement. "Yeah, this was my other pastime besides fighting," Seojun replied, gently cing Sui back down. Unbeknownst to Seojun, many eyes were on him, admiring his skills. Several participants nearby felt their stomachs rumble as they caught a whiff of the fragrant dish. Some hadn''t eaten properly for three days, and the enticing aroma made their mouths water. In the center sanctuary, Thomas nodded thoughtfully. "A doctor should also know how to identify whether something can be eaten or not," he remarked. The judges, overhearing him, leaned in. "Did 601 get your attention, Sir Thomas?" one asked. "He''s weak, but it''s not impossible for him to be one of the top Beast Doctors. I''m amazed at his knowledge. He moves wisely and calctedly," Thomas said, and several judges nodded in agreement. They had initiallye to watch Seojun fail, but seeing Gideon and Thomas focused on him piqued their curiosity. He was weak, yes, but he moved with purpose, treating his familiar like family rather than just a tool. Back with Seojun, Sui finally took a taste of the food. Its eyes widened, and it jumped up, overwhelmed by the vor. "You''re amazing, Master! Kyuu! This is the first and most delicious thing I have ever eaten!" Seojun chuckled. "Isn''t this your first cooked food?" Sui didn''t respond; it was too busy devouring the meal, lifting the wooden bowl Seojun had made. The little slime gobbled it up with such enthusiasm that it looked like acid bubbling and reacting with something, making the food disappear in moments. Seojun smiled, enjoying the sight of his littlepanion relishing the meal. It was a simple moment, but in this strange world, it felt like a small victory. As Seojun watched Sui enjoy the meal, a notification suddenly appeared in front of him, glowing brightly against the backdrop of the forest. [Task Cleared: Strengthening Bonds] You have sessfully cooked a meal that satisfied your familiar. Seojun blinked in surprise at the notification. "Strengthening Bonds? I forgot the tasks as it''s so many." Sui looked up, still munching on thest bits of food. "Master, what was it?" it asked, its eyes gleaming with excitement. "My bond with you increased." "Bond level? What''s that?" Sui asked, tilting its head in curiosity. "It means we''re getting closer as a team. The more I take care of you and cook for you, the stronger our bond bes. It''s like we''re bing better partners," "Wow! That''s amazing, Master! Does that mean I can be even stronger too?" Sui asked, bouncing with excitement. "Exactly, The stronger our bond, the better we can work together. Plus, it might unlock new abilities for you," "Kyuu! I can''t wait to fight i feel so much energy!" After finishing their meal and resting for a bit, Seojun decided it was time to clear some tasks. "Alright, Sui, let''s get moving and clear some task" he said, standing up and stretching. They left the area, blissfully unaware of the hungry participants lurking nearby. As Seojun and Sui left, the smell of Seojun''s delicious cooking lingered in the air drawing the attention of a group of starving participants hiding behind the bushes. "I can''t take it anymore! It''s mine!" one participant shouted, bursting out of the brush. "No, I saw it first!" another one cried, jumping into the clearing with wild eyes. "Get your hands off! I deserve it more!" shouted a third, pushing the others aside. The chaos intensified as more participants joined in, all shouting and waving their arms. "I''m not sharing! This is all mine!" one dered as he dove toward the imaginary treasure. In the middle of themotion, Andrew spotted the pot Seojun had used to cook. "This is my ticket to glory!" he thought, "Hey! What are you doing?!" one participant yelled, noticing Andrew''s sneaky move. "Stop him!" another shouted, eyes wide with realization. Before anyone could react, Andrew snatched the pot and took off running. "Catch me if you can!" he taunted, ncing back with a smirk. "Hey, thief! That''s our food!" someone yelled, giving chase. The others quickly turned their attention to Andrew, shouting and scrambling after him. "I''m going to get that pot!" one person shouted, lunging forward only to trip over a root and fall t on their face. "Get back here, you food-stealing fiend!" another yelled, but Andrew was already sprinting away, the pot clutched tightly in his hands. "Run faster!" someone shouted, desperately trying to keep up. In the middle of the chaotic chase, participants were shouting absurd things, "I need that pot for my dinner!" "You can''t just take someone else''s food!" "No, it''s mine!" A participant tripped and fell, sending another tumbling over them, leading to a pile of bodies on the forest floor. "Get off me!" one of them groaned, trying to push everyone away. Andrewughed as he weaved between the trees, calling back, "You''ll have to be faster than that!" As the ridiculous chase continued, it became a hrious spectacle, with participants shouting insults and battling for food like children in a schoolyard fight. It became a funny scene for those watching the Entrance exam and now murmuring at each other.C "Hahaaa Where did he get the pot anyway?" "You didn''t watch it, 601 found it in the bush. The Entrance exam is not that harsh looks like they put tools in the bush, Some things that''ll make easy for the participants," Seojun and Sui were walking when suddenly the ground beneath them gave way. They fell into a deep hole andnded softly on the ground. When Seojun sat up, he looked around and was amazed. They had fallen into a huge underground room. In the middle of the room was a giant statue made of gold. The statue looked like a fierce lion with long limbs and big wings. Its eyes were made of sparkling gems that shone in the dim light. "Kyuu! Where are we, Master?" Sui asked, bouncing on the tail of the giant statue. He looked tiny next to it. Seojun stood up, still staring at the golden statue. "We are so smallpared to it" he said, looking up. The statue was so tall that they were about the same size as one of its massive feet. Just then, a notification appeared in front of Seojun: Location: Chamber of the Golden Guardian "Chamber of the Golden Guardian?" Seojun read. "What is this ce?" Sui bounced back to Seojun''s side, eyes wide with excitement. "Kyuu! It''s so big and shiny!" Chapter 191: Chapter 191: Maze of Wonders-test of knowledge As Seojun and Sui explored the Chamber of the Golden Guardian, an unexpected rumble shook the ground. Far above, other participants of the entrance exam were caught in the tremor as the earth began to give way beneath them too. Each one fell, but unlike Seojun, they were scattered across different locations in the underground maze. Participant #118nded hard in a narrow tunnel. The ground was rough, and the air felt damp and cold. He groaned, rubbing his head as he sat up. A notification appeared before him: Location: The Dark Tunnel Participants Remaining: 455 out of 800 "What the... 345 already gone?" he whispered, his voice echoing down the tunnel. "I can''t be next. I need to find a way out." He got to his feet, gripping his sword tightly, and began moving forward, staying alert for any danger. Participant #237: The Crystal Cavern #237 found herself in a shimmering cavern filled with glowing crystals of all colors. She was mesmerized by the beauty around her, the light from the crystals dancing on the walls. Location: The Crystal Cavern Participants Remaining: 455 out of 800 Participant #602 and #15: The Molten Chamber #602 and #15 dropped onto a rocky ledge above a pool of moltenva. The heat was intense, and the glow from theva bathed the chamber in an orange-red light. A notification flickered before their eyes: Location: The Molten Chamber Participants Remaining: 455 out of 800 "Damn! That many people are already out?" he eximed, sweat dripping down his forehead. "Lower your voice, Andrew. " She spoke as she observe their sorrounding and began climbing along the ledge, hoping to find a safer path away from the burning heat. "Hehee Roger that! Ma''am L!" "I said shut up..." In the Center sanctuary judges sat in front of a massive screen. The screen showed hundreds of faces with numbers above them, each representing a participant in the entrance exam. One by one, many faces were crossed out with red lines as the numbers of eliminated participants rose sharply. The judges exchanged looks, shaking their heads as more participants disappeared from the screen. "This batch has taken quite a hit," one judge murmured, leaning back in his chair. "Indeed," another judge replied. "It seems the undergroundbyrinth is iming more than expected." Sir Thomas, a stern-looking judge with silver hair and a scar on his cheek, watched the screen with a frown. "They''re dropping like flies," he said, his voice filled with disappointment. "We''re down to 455 now. Over 300 crossed out in just a few days." The screen shifted, now disying different participants as they struggled in various parts of the undergroundbyrinth. Some were fighting against monstrous creatures, while others were trying to escape from dangerous traps. Sir Thomas stood up and faced the other judges. "It''s time for the next test," he announced, his voice echoing in the room. "In this part, their courage and problem-solving skills will be put to the test. Thebyrinth will not only challenge their strength but also their ability to think quickly and make smart decisions." The other judges nodded in agreement, and the screen changed again, showing the participants scattered throughout thebyrinth. Watching the Participants The judges observed each participant closely. Some were performing well, adapting to the challenges in their unique areas, while others struggled to keep up. Participant #118 was seen running through the dark tunnel, his sword held tightly in his hand as strange creatures chased him. He was panting heavily, his eyes wide with fear, but he didn''t slow down. "He''s pushing his limits," a judgemented. "But how long can hest?" The screen then showed Participant #237 in the Crystal Cavern. She was carefully navigating through a maze of glowing crystals, using their light to avoid stepping into deep cracks in the ground. Her movements were cautious yet determined. "She''s using her surroundings to her advantage," another judge noted. "Good. She might make it through." Meanwhile, #599 was seen crawling out of the Bone Pit, covered in dirt and sweat. His eyes were filled with exhaustion, but he kept moving forward, determined not to be among those who were crossed out. "He''s barely hanging on," Sir Thomas observed. "If he doesn''t find a way to rest soon, he won''tst much longer." Participant #304 was shown in the Whispering Grove, looking uneasy as the voices around her grew louder. She gripped her dagger tightly, swinging it at shadows that seemed to move toward her. Her breaths came out in quick, panicked gasps. "Fear is starting to get to her," a judge said. "Let''s see if she can ovee it." Lastly, Participant #602 and #15 was bncing on a narrow ledge in the Molten Chamber, the heat from theva making them sweat buckets. They took one step at a time, their body tense as they fought to stay calm. "She''s brave, just like her sister" Sir Thomas said. "But bravery alone won''t help her if she doesn''t think carefully about each move." Sir Thomas turned back to the screen, his eyes narrowing as he watched the faces of the remaining participants. Sir Gideon sat quietly, his gaze fixed on Participant #601 Seojun, who had found himself in a ce known as the Maze of Wonders. The maze was a confusingwork of twisting paths, with walls made of colorful stones that glowed faintly. At the center of a narrow passage, a strange formation had appeared¡ªa line ofrge rocks with words carved into their surfaces. The rocks formed a bridge across a deep pit, but there was a catch. Each rock had a word written on it, and to cross safely, #601 would need to answer a question by stepping on the right rocks in the correct order. If he made a mistake, the rocks would crumble, and he would fall. A booming voice echoed through the maze, reading the question aloud: "What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?" The rocks in front of him had words like "Man," "Animal," "Child," "Night," and "Sun" carved into them, He stared at the rocks. Chapter 192: Chapter 192: Test of knowledge(2) The other judges noticed Sir Gideon watching #601 intently. One of them chuckled softly. "It seems #601 is quite unlucky to get the Maze of Wonders," he said, shaking his head. "That ce is not kind to those who struggle with riddles." Another judge added, "The Maze of Wonders has sent many participants to their doom. Even if they solve the question, there''s no guarantee they''ll make it out." Sir Gideon didn''t respond to theirments, his eyes still locked on the screen. He watched as Seojun took a deep breath, clearly trying to calm himself. Seojun thought hard about the riddle, the words echoing in his mind. "Four legs in the morning... two at noon... three in the evening..." he muttered to himself. Then his eyes lit up with realization. "It''s talking about a person''s life." He carefully stepped onto the rock with the word "Man" carved into it. The rock stayed solid beneath his feet. Encouraged, he continued forward, stepping onto "Child" and then "Old." Sir Gideon allowed a faint smile to show as #601 crossed thest rock safely. "He did well," The other judges nced at each other but said nothing. Seojun breathed a sigh of relief as he stepped off thest stone safely, having answered the first question correctly. He looked around, scanning the dim surroundings. Thebyrinth had been full of strange tasks since he and the other participants arrived, but the first task hadn''t exined much. It only stated, "Pass the test." Yet, no one knew exactly what that meant. To make things worse, shortly after the tasks began, Seojun''s familiar, Sui, had vanished without a trace. He wasn''t the only one; the other participants had lost their familiars too. It was as if the familiars had been spirited away, leaving them to face thebyrinth''s challenges alone. Seojun''s eyes caught a faint glimmer in the distance¡ªa door. Without hesitation, he walked over and pushed it open. The door creaked loudly as it swung inward, revealing a dark room with nothing but emptiness inside. The moment he stepped in, several torches on the walls red to life, casting flickering shadows across the space. In the middle of the room, countless glowing letters floated in the air, shifting and swirling. They seemed random at first, but then, as if guided by some unseen hand, the letters began to align, forming a question. "What is the creature that heals others with herbs by day and hunts with fangs by night?" Seojun furrowed his brows as he read the question. The answer seemed linked to the previous riddle somehow. He thought back to the first question about a person''s life,paring it to this one about a creature with two distinct roles. There had to be a connection. The room was silent, except for the crackling of the torches. Seojun considered his options. He remembered studying rare beasts that used herbs to heal during the day but became predators at night. "Could it be a Moonshadow Fox?" he wondered aloud. The Moonshadow Fox was known for its dual nature, healing others by day and bing a fierce hunter under the cover of darkness. With confidence, Seojun spoke, "Moonshadow Fox." The letters in the air shed brightly, then slowly faded away. The torches dimmed slightly, and a soft rumbling sound echoed through the room as another door appeared on the far wall. Seojun walked to the new door and took a deep breath before opening it. He was sure now that each question was rted, forming a chain of tests. Whatevery ahead, he needed to connect the answers and find the final connection. As Seojun walked through the new door, his system suddenly spoke up in his mind, its voice echoing with curiosity. [How did you know the answers, Host? You answered the questions so easily] Seojun stopped for a moment and thought about how to exin it. "There''s a pattern here. Each question is connected, and the answers build on each other." [Then, how did you figure out thest answer?] Seojun began to reason it out, not just for the system but also to organize his own thoughts. "The first question was about life stages¡ªsomething that changes over time. It made me think about how things aren''t always what they seem at different times," he exined. "So, when the second question asked about a creature with two roles, I connected it with the idea of changes over time too." He continued, "The Moonshadow Fox fits the description because it behaves differently depending on whether it''s day or night. During the day, it uses herbs to heal, which is gentle and caring, but at night, it bes a hunter with sharp fangs. It''s like two different stages of life in one creature." The system was silent for a moment before speaking again. [You''re amazing, host! You don''t need my help at all.] "Nah, It''s thanks to Alex and Alexa. They gave me books about Beast to read," As he continued down the dark corridor, he wondered what the next question would be and how it would connect to the ones before. He knew that in order to open the final door, he would need to find themon thread that linked all the riddles together. Each step was bringing him closer to the heart of thebyrinth and to the truth about the missing familiars. Seojun continued down the corridor, and soon, he reached arge door at the end. It was different from the others¡ªtaller, thicker, and covered in strange carvings. As he stepped closer, the carvings began to glow softly, and the door slowly opened on its own. He stepped inside, finding himself in a huge, dark room. The room was empty except for arge stone pedestal in the middle, with letters floating above it. Several torches lit up around him, casting long shadows across the walls. The letters swirled together, forming the final question: "What is the true nature of a healer who carries the soul of a beast?" Chapter 193: Chapter 193: Test of knowledge(3) As Seojun read the final question, his system suddenly chimed in with a suggestion. [Host, I think the answer might be ''The Beast Within.'' It fits with having the soul of a beast while being a healer.] Trusting his system, Seojun spoke the answer aloud. "The Beast Within." The moment he said it, a series of arrows shot out from hidden openings in the walls, flying straight towards him. Reacting quickly, Seojun dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the arrows as they whizzed past him and struck the ground. He muttered under his breath, "Hmm So Every wrong answeres with consequences." [I''m sorry, host. I was trying to think too like a participant in the exam without using any search functions. Unfortunately, I''m not smart enough, Riddles was always my weakness..] Seojun shook his head, a small smile forming on his lips. "It''s okay," he replied aloud. "Not everything is about knowing all the answers. We can all make mistakes, even you. What matters is that we learn from them and keep moving forward." Seojun turned back to the pedestal and thought carefully about the final question once more. Seojun stared at the question, and the meaning slowly began to dawn on him. This was thest riddle, and itbined everything from the previous questions. The first question was about the stages of life. The second question was about a creature that changed depending on the time of day. Now, this final question asked about the essence of a healer who was also a beast. He knew he needed to connect everything together to find the answer. Seojun took a deep breath. "The first question was about change, from one form to another. The second was about duality¡ªbeing a healer and a hunter. Now, thisst question is asking about the true nature of someone who has both gentle and wild sides." He thought back to his studies as a Beast Doctor. "A true healer who carries the soul of a beast doesn''t just heal with herbs or magic," he said aloud, "but understands that sometimes healing requires strength, and sometimes it requirespassion. They can be fierce when they need to protect, yet gentle when caring for others." He stepped closer to the pedestal, speaking his answer clearly. "The true nature of a healer with the soul of a beast is to be a protector¡ªbncing both their wild instincts and their healing abilities." The letters shed brightly, and the room trembled. The final door appeared behind the pedestal, glowing with a warm light. Slowly, it opened, revealing a path forward. Outside the entrance exam, the audience was puzzled those who watched Seojun test. Many people had frowns on their faces as they tried to understand how Seojun came up with the answers to those difficult questions. Even Seoyang, Seojun''s mother, was deep in thought. She sighed and shook her head. "How did Seojun think of that? I don''t get it." she wondered aloud, still trying to piece together his reasoning. John, who was standing nearby, also looked baffled. "Your son has a weird brain," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I can''t figure out how he was able to answer those questions." Alex, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, decided to speak up. "It''s actually not thatplicated once you break it down," he began, drawing everyone''s attention. "The first question was about change, right? It talked about different stages in life, like how things aren''t always the same over time. So Seojun figured out that the answer was something that changes, like the growth or transformation of a creature." He continued, "The second question was about duality¡ªa creature that ys two roles, such as a healer by day and a hunter by night. Seojun knew that some beasts have different behaviors depending on the time, so he connected it to a creature that changes its role, like the Moonshadow Fox." Alex paused to let the exnation sink in. "Then the final question asked about the true nature of a healer with the soul of a beast. The previous answers were all about change and having different sides. So, Seojun thought it was about bncing those two sides¡ªbeing strong and fierce when needed, but also knowing when to be gentle and heal. That''s why he answered that a true healer with the soul of a beast is a protector, bncing both instincts andpassion." Seoyang looked thoughtful, nodding slowly. "I see... so it all connects together," she said, starting to understand how the answers fit. "Yeah, when you put it that way, it makes more sense," John admitted, still amazed. "But it takes someone really sharp to piece it together like that." Alex shrugged. "Seojun''s good at thinking outside the box. It''s not just about knowing the answers but understanding how they all link together." "Hehee He is always like that Auntie, Remember Seojun was the top in highschool. Right?" Alexa said and Seoyang chuckled and agreed. "Riddles and puzzles is Seojun favorite, If not for his weird appearance before he would have not bullied and became famous." Alex added and they nodded. Seoyang pointed at the screen showing participants #602 and #15. "Look," she said. "They got the same question as Seojun." The screen disyed a hot, glowing cavern filled with rivers ofva. The air shimmered from the intense heat, and the ground was cracked with glowing red lines where molten rock flowed beneath. The walls glowed with an eerie orange light, and bubblingva pools surrounded the two participants. In the middle of the chamber stood arge stone pir with floating letters disying the question: "What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?" Andrew and L stood side by side, beads of sweat rolling down their faces from the heat. The question hung in the air, and at first, they were both quiet, unsure of what to say. L''s eyes narrowed as she thought hard. She had heard this riddle before¡ªit was famous, but the answer was on the tip of her tongue, and she just couldn''t get the words out. "I... I know it," she whispered to herself, but fear kept her from speaking. She knew they only had two tries, and if she got it wrong, the consequences could be serious. Chapter 194: Chapter 194: Test of Knowledge (4) Meanwhile, Andrew was getting impatient. He hated being in the heat, and his nerves were getting the better of him. Without thinking carefully, he blurted out his first guess. "Uh¡­ a dragon? Dragons can fly and walk, right?" The moment he said it, the ground beneath them shook. Cracks appeared, andva began to bubble up more violently around them. The stone pir glowed red, and several ming arrows shot out from hidden openings, heading straight for Andrew and L. They quickly jumped to the side to avoid the arrows, the heat from them searing the air as they whizzed past. Andrew''s face turned pale, and he muttered under his breath, "That was a bad idea... What happens if we get it wrong again?" L took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "We only have one more try," she said, her voice shaky. "We need to be absolutely sure before answering again." Andrew was too anxious to wait any longer. Without discussing with L, he hurriedly shouted out another answer, "A phoenix! It''s reborn and changes form, right?" As soon as the words left his mouth, the stone pir shed bright red, and the ground rumbled even more violently than before. The cracks widened, and suddenly, streams ofva shot upward from the ground. The temperature in the chamber seemed to spike as the air filled with ash and smoke. Before theycould react, parts of the rocky ceiling began to crumble, sendingrge chunks of rock crashing down. They quickly scrambled away from the falling debris, trying to find a path that wasn''t blocked byva or falling stones. "Great, now we''ve used up both tries!" L shouted as they ran, her voice filled with frustration. She dodged a piece of the ceiling that fell right where she had been standing a second ago. The heat around them started to lessen as they sprinted towards a tunnel that had just opened up in the chamber wall. Once they crossed into the new area, it was no longer hot, and the molten glow faded behind them. But they weren''t safe yet. The tunnel ceiling was shaking, and small rocks continued to fall. They had to keep running. As they dashed down the long, narrow passageway, another question appeared on the stone wall ahead of them, glowing with faint blue light: "What is the role of a Beast Doctor when faced with a wounded beast that has lost its will to fight?" The words floated in the air in front of them as they continued to sprint, dodging falling rocks. This new question was clearly connected to the entrance exam''s theme, and L''s mind raced as she tried to think about the correct answer while staying alert to the danger around them. "This question¡­ it''s about understanding a Beast Doctor''s duties," L said breathlessly, ncing at Andrew as they continued to run. As they kept running, dodging rocks falling from the ceiling, Andrew took a deep breath and focused on the question in front of them. He had to think carefully this time. The words glowed softly on the wall, and he remembered something Sir Thomas had once said about Beast Doctors. Andrew spoke out loud, "A Beast Doctor must restore bnce to the beast''s body and spirit, ensuring it can find the strength to move forward again. This involves calming its fears and providing the right kind of support for recovery." The moment he finished speaking, the shaking of the tunnel stopped. The falling rocks ceased, and the path ahead of them lit up, showing a way forward. The blue light from the words faded away, signaling that they had answered correctly. L stopped running and took a deep breath, looking at Andrew with a smile. "Nice one, Andrew," she said, feeling relieved. "You got it right." Andrew scratched the back of his head, grinning. "Hehee, thanks. I really studied hard because I want to be like Sir Thomas one day," he replied proudly. L nodded, feeling a bit more hopeful now that they had passed this challenge. "Well, let''s keep moving," she said. "We don''t know what''s next, but we''re not out of this yet." "Anyway, What is the answer in the first question? What walks on four legs in the morning, two legs at noon, and three legs in the evening?" Andrew wondered and L sighed. "I just remembered it now, The answer is Human Damn it." After the first test was over, all the participants who had passed found their familiars reappearing beside them. Seojun''s slime familiar, Sui, bounced excitedly towards him. "Master! Kyuu! Where did you go?! You suddenly disappeared!" Sui squealed, bouncing up and down with a worried expression on his tiny face. Seojun quickly caught Sui in his hands and shook his head with a small smile. "You''re the one that disappeared. Where did you go?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. Sui tilted his little head. "Kyuu, me?" Seojun nodded, still curious about what had happened. Sui bounced a little in Seojun''s hands as he answered, "When we were separated, I looked around and found myself with other beast familiars above, Seojun''s eyes widened slightly as he realized what had happened. "So, they teleported you back above," he thought aloud. "Kyuuu, Master?" Sui called out, sensing that Seojun was lost in thought. Seojun smiled down at his little slimepanion and gently put him back on the ground. "Don''t worry, Sui. Let''s get out of this maze for now," he said, his voice calm but determined. Sui bounced yfully in a circle around Seojun. "Kyuu! Yes, let''s go, Master! I''ll lead the way!" he said, hopping excitedly ahead. Days passed since Andrew and L had barely escaped the underground test, and the heat and danger had left them with little time to rx. The exams grew more difficult with each passing day, and the remaining participants had to stay sharp, for even one mistake could mean elimination. The entrance exam had taken its toll. Chapter 195: Chapter 195: The Final Day The first few days were a blur of strange trials, shiftingndscapes, and dangerous creatures, but now, on the final day, only a fraction of the original contestants remained. Therge, echoing chambers where the trials had taken ce were quieter, the air tense with anticipation. Andrew ,L, and Seojun were among the remaining 370 contestants, down from 455 at the beginning of the week. They had learned to be careful, to think before acting. The trials had tested not only their knowledge but their instincts, their ability to survive, and their emotional strength. And now, on thest day, they were ready¡ªat least, they hoped they were. Outside the arena, the audience was buzzing with excitement. The entrance exam of the prestigious Beast Doctor Academy had drawn viewers from all over the world. The final day hade, and it promised to be the most thrilling yet. Spectators filled the stands, their eyes trained on the screens as they watched the contestants face the final challenges. "Only 370 left out of 800?!" a man said, leaning forward in his seat. His eyes were glued to the screen, watching the remaining contestants as they made their way through thest set of tests. Beside him, a woman nodded. "I heard thest challenge is something no one has seen before. It''s not just about knowledge anymore. They''ll have to use their skills in ways they haven''t before. Who do you think will win?" The man scratched his chin thoughtfully. "I don''t know." Farther back, another group of spectators discussed the remaining contestants with curiosity. "Thest trial will probably dangerous," one of them said. "You saw how they handled thatst underground test, right? Some of them were so close to failing. What happens if they mess up today?" "Failure means elimination, obviously," another person replied. "But this is the Beast Doctor Academy we''re talking about. They''re not going to let people get hurt... I think it''s more about testing their potential to handle pressure and make quick decisions. In a real-world situation, they''d have to do the same with injured beasts." Back at the arena, the atmosphere was electric. Thest day had arrived, and it was clear to everyone that the remaining contestants were about to face their biggest challenge yet. In the peaceful, Heavenly realm of the gods, high above the mortal world, Goddess Zyraena satfortably in her celestial seat, her gaze fixed on a glowing screen. She was watching the Beast Doctor Academy entrance exam, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she munched on a bowl of popcorn. A god approached her, raising an eyebrow as he noticed what she was watching. "You''re still watching that?" he asked, his voice tinged with mild curiosity. Zyraena didn''t take her eyes off the screen. "Why not? It''s interesting," she replied with a yful smile. "Look at that guy¡ªhe''s so clumsy! Did you see that? He just tripped and face-nted right into the mud!" Sheughed, thoroughly entertained by the mishap. The god shook his head, but a small grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Nah. Anyway, isn''t today the final day?" Zyraena nodded enthusiastically. "Yup! It''s thest day of the exam. Come on, you should watch with me! You''ll enjoy it, I promise." She flicked her finger lightly, and instantly, a plush,fortable sofa appeared out of thin air beside her. The god sighed, but the allure of Zyraena''s infectious excitement was too much to resist. He sat down with a resigned look on his face. Without missing a beat, Zyraena flicked a handful of popcorn into hisp. "Here, you''ll need this," she said with a grin. He scooped up a handful, stuffing his mouth with it, and then leaned back, looking at the screen. After a few moments, he swallowed and spoke through a mouthful of popcorn. "So, which one interests you the most?" Zyraena paused for a moment, her fingers lightly tapping the armrest of the sofa as she watched the remaining contestants. "Hmm¡­ It''s hard to say. I like the one with the slime familiar." The god snorted, "A slime, really? That''s the one you''re watching?" Zyraena shot him a yful look. "What''s wrong with a slime? Slimes have a lot of potential! Plus, it''s not just about the familiar. It''s about how they work together, how they handle situations. You can''t just judge by appearances." Zyraena, still munching on popcorn, leaned back into the soft couch and waved her hand to flick through several screens hovering around them. The various cameras captured the remaining contestants of the Beast Doctor Academy entrance exam. Each screen showed different perspectives of the candidates as they worked through the final tests. The god beside her, who had been half-heartedly watching the disy, suddenly focused intently on one of the screens. He leaned forward, eyes narrowing slightly. "Hmm¡­ look at that one," he muttered, pointing toward a contestant with sharp focus. Zyraena followed his gaze and saw a woman with an elegant posture, holding a glowing arrow made of shimmering energy. She was moving swiftly through the final trial, her every step calcted, her every action precise. Zyraena''s eyes sparkled with interest as she watched the woman manipte the arrow, her mana flowing effortlessly to form the weapon. "Hmm, that''s impressive," Zyraena thought aloud. "She''s using her mana as an arrow... that''s a rare talent. She''s definitely got inborn ability." The god, still looking at the screen, raised an eyebrow. "So, you noticed her too, huh?" Zyraena smirked. "Of course, I did. I''m not blind. She''s the current number one in the exam. Passed every test and task without making a single mistake. She''s too smart, doesn''t act rashly like some others. Very controlled. She''ll likely win it all." The god, intrigued, leaned closer, watching the woman as she deftlypleted the next stage of the trial with ease. "Who''s her God? She doesn''t seem like she''s working alone¡ªthere''s a certain grace to her thates from divine influence." Zyraena nodded slowly, a knowing smile forming on her lips. "Ah, you''re right about that. Her God is Goddess Ilyraen, the Goddess of Precision and Bnce. She''s been guiding Miya Arven for years, nurturing her talent. It''s rare to see someone so naturally gifted, but with the right blessing, they can rise to incredible heights." "Miya Arven..." The god repeated, as if testing the name on his tongue. "That name doesn''t sound familiar. Why she''s not famous? She can match Zeus Chosen one" "I don''t know, She just showed up." The god watched Miya as she calmly navigated the final test location, her arrow glowing faintly as she used it to disable a dangerous beast without harming it. He could see why Zyraena was so intrigued "Impressive," he murmured. "She doesn''t waste energy. Everything she does seems calcted." Zyraena smiled softly, her voice tinged with a hint of admiration. "That''s exactly it. It''s her talent and discipline that sets her apart. With the blessing of Ilyraen, it''s no surprise she''s doing so well. The goddess herself is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to see the bigger picture. Miya reflects that perfectly." Chapter 196: Chapter 196: To the Center Sanctuary Just as he spoke, an announcement suddenly echoed through the arena, cutting their conversation short. Both Zyraena and the god turned their attention to the giant screen above, where Mr. Gideon''s face appeared. His voice was clear andmanding, grabbing the attention of both the contestants and the audience alike. "ATTENTION!" Mr. Gideon''s voice rang out. "This is the Second to final stage of the entrance exam. Your goal is simple: Find the Center Sanctuary within the forest. However, you must hurry. There is a timer counting down. If you do not reach the sanctuary before time runs out, you will be eliminated." Zyraena raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Eliminated just for beingte? That''s harsh." The god leaned forward, his expression serious now. "They''re really putting the pressure on them." Mr. Gideon''s face stayed on the screen as he added, "You have until the timer reaches zero. If you are not at the Center Sanctuary by then, your journey ends here. Good luck." With those final words, the screen above them went ck, and in its ce appeared arge red timer, ticking down steadily. The countdown had begun. Zyraena and the god exchanged looks of amusement and curiosity. Meanwhile, across the Sknd forest, the remaining participanys were already moving quickly, trying to find the elusive Center Sanctuary. But the announcement had hit them hard. The pressure was mounting. Andrew, L and along with the others, frowned as they realized the stakes had just been raised to an unbearable level. All the trials they had passed, all the challenges they had survived, would mean nothing if they didn''t make it to the sanctuary in time. "This is insane," Someone muttered, staring at the ticking timer in disbelief. "We''ve already made it through so much... and now we''re going to be eliminated just because we can''t find this ce in time?" L clenched her fists, frustration building in her chest. "It''s not fair. They expect us to make it through this huge forest in such a short time? How are we supposed to find the Center Sanctuary before the timer runs out?" Andrew sighed deeply. "I don''t understand it anymore, How is this rted in the entrance exam? Huhuuu We''ll be eliminated if we don''t find it!" Others around them were voicing their own doubts and fears. "Are you kidding me?" oneined, shaking his head. "After everything we''ve been through, this is how it ends? Just because we couldn''t make it to some stupid sanctuary in time?" Another partt sweat beading on her forehead muttered, "This is unreasonable. It''s not just about getting there¡ªit''s the fact that we have to get there before time runs out. What if we can''t even find it? We''ll be eliminated, just like that." Their frustration and fear were growing by the second as the timer continued to count down. The once-hopeful faces of the contestants now reflected the reality of the challenge they were facing: their past efforts, their determination, everything they had worked for, could all be wasted if they didn''t reach the sanctuary in time. "This is madness," one contestant groaned. "What kind of Entrance exam is this?!" As the timer above continued to tick down, Seojun sat on arge rock in the middle of the Sknd forest,zily munching on an apple. He stared at the timer. Sui, his slime familiar, bounced around excitedly at Seojun''s feet, its gtinous form jiggling with energy. "Kyuu! Master! Let''s hurry!" Seojun took another bite of his apple, unfazed by themotion around him. "A week full of trials... and now they''ll eliminate people just because they can''t find the sanctuary in time?" He shrugged, chewing thoughtfully. "Hmm, they probably just want to reduce the number of participants." He leaned back, resting against the rock, and the soft breeze rustled the leaves around him. The ticking of the timer, counting down relentlessly, echoed in the distance, but it didn''t seem to bother him. [They have already likely decided who they want to eliminate and now using this way.] The system spoke, He wiped the apple juice from his chin and stood up, tossing the core of the apple aside. "Ah, they''re probably trying to weed out the ones who can''t handle the pressure." He nodded to himself, "They definitely have their motives." Sui, who had been hopping around and getting more anxious with each passing second, suddenly leaped into the air and squealed, "Kyuu! Let''s go, Master! We can''t get eliminated! We have to win, kyuuu! I''ll show them how powerful Master''s familiar is! Kyuuu!" With a burst of energy, Sui bounced ahead, using the trees around them tounch itself even higher, moving through the forest like a ball. The slime ricocheted off branches, its fluid form twisting and turning in midair as it raced ahead, eager to keep up with Seojun. Seojun watched Sui''s antics with a small smile, feeling a rare spark of amusement in his otherwise calm demeanor. "Alright, alright. I''ming. Let''s go then." He stretched his arms out, feeling the tension in his muscles. The forest was dense, and the path wasn''t clear, but it didn''t matter to him. He had a destination in mind, and he''d make it there in time¡ªhe wasn''t about to let the clock decide his fate. With a deep breath, Seojun started walking, his gaze focused on the horizon. Sui zipped ahead, bouncing and leaping with excitement, its high-pitched voice carrying through the forest. "Kyuu! I''ll show them! We''ll make it, Master!" Seojun gave a slight chuckle as he picked up his pace, the sound of Sui''s energetic bounces filling the air. As Seojun walked through the forest, the sound of birds and leaves rustling was all he could hear¡ªuntil suddenly¡ª "Move!" A voice shouted. Seojun barely had time to react when something¡ªor rather, someone¡ªwas speeding towards him. He didn''t move. He just stood still, watching as a blur of motion rushed towards him. The wind picked up, swirling around him, and he could feel the force of her speed. The woman tried to stop, but she couldn''t. She skidded to a halt right next to him, only just avoiding crashing into him. The wind from her fast movement hit Seojun, and the ground under his feet shook from the impact. The woman lost her bnce and fell to the ground with a soft thud,nding on her bottom. She groaned and rubbed her sore backside. "Ouch! Why didn''t you move?!" sheined, looking up at Seojun with frustration. "I tried to avoid you, but you just stood there! My bum hurts now!" Chapter 197: Chapter 197: To the center sanctuary Seojun didn''t say anything. He reached his hand out to help her up, but she pped it away. "I don''t need your help!" she snapped, getting to her feet on her own. Without another word, she quickly got up and ran off again, moving so fast that Seojun barely saw her. As she passed, two contestants who were walking nearby got caught in the wind and were knocked off their feet, falling to the ground from her speed. "What the¡ª?!" one of them shouted, while the other scrambled to stand. Seojun didn''t pay them much attention. He was focused on the woman who was already disappearing into the trees, moving like a sh. As he watched, he saw something strange: a small bird was flying beside her, matching her speed. It fluttered around her as if it was part of her. "Kyuu! Wow! She''s so fast, Master! Kyuu!" Sui, his slime, squeaked excitedly, bouncing beside Seojun. Seojun just nodded. He was impressed by her speed, but he didn''t let it bother him. There were still more important things to focus on. Sui bounced higher in the air. "Kyuu! I want to be that fast, Master!" Seojun smiled faintly. "Yeah, Let''s hurry up there too. We only have one hour" On the other side, Andrew and L had been walking for what felt like hours, but it seemed like they were only getting more lost with each step. The forest is too big for them and the timer was still ticking down. Andrew wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling the weight of exhaustion. "Whoo! Let''s rest, L. I can''t walk anymore!" he groaned, slumping down onto the ground and lying t on his back. L, walking ahead, turned to him with an annoyed look. "Tsk! If you hadn''t insisted on climbing that stupid cliff, you wouldn''t be tired now! You really should have thought this through!" Andrew pouted, sitting up. "Eh, it''s my fault?" he asked, looking at her with wide eyes. L threw her hands up in frustration. "Yes! It''s your fault! You just had to climb it, didn''t you?" Andrew smiled a little, trying to lighten the mood. "But you liked the egg we got from it, right? It was so delicious!" L rolled her eyes and stomped her foot. "Tsk. Still! Ugh, why am I even with you?" She nced around, searching for any signs or clues to help them find the sanctuary. "We''re lost, and now we''re wasting time!" Andrew chuckled and leaned against a nearby tree. "How are we supposed to find the center sanctuary, though?" he muttered to himself, looking up at the sky. L clenched her fists in frustration. "I really want to get there first!" she whispered, then stopped herself and looked around again. Andrew thought for a moment, then looked around, feeling something was off. ''I wonder where Seojun is... I didn''t see him,'' he thought, scanning the forest for any sign of his friend. Just as he was about to ask L if she had seen Seojun, he suddenly heard her scream. "L?!" Andrew shouted, jumping to his feet and running in the direction of her voice. "L! Where are you?!" He rushed forward, his heart pounding in his chest. After a few moments of calling her name, he stopped beside arge tree. He leaned against it to catch his breath, and as soon as he did, the ground suddenly shook beneath him. "Ahh!" Andrew yelped, feeling the ground give way beneath his feet. He stumbled and fell into what felt like a deep hole. "Wha¡ª?!" he shouted as he tumbled down, his voice echoing around him. The fall felt like it went on forever " Aaahhh! Mommy! Aaaaahhhhh!" before he suddenlynded with a soft thud . He blinked and opened his teary eyes, feeling dazed. Looking around, he realized he had fallen into some kind of. His heart was still racing from the fall. Then, he heard a voice above him. "What the heck, Andrew?! Shut up! You scream like a woman!" Andrew looked up, and to his surprise, he saw L looking down at him with an annoyed expression. "L!" he shouted, a little embarrassed. L crossed her arms. "You really are a mess, aren''t you? Why''d you scream like that?" Andrew looked up at her sheepishly, wiping the dirt from his face. "I didn''t expect to fall into a hole! " he said, still flustered. L sighed and rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Get out of the, and let''s keep moving. We''re wasting time." Andrew nodded and started trying to get out of the. "Alright, alright. Where are we? L?" As he finally climbed out of the, he looked up at L, who was already walking off ahead, clearly irritated but still determined. He sighed and followed her, hoping they could find their way to the center sanctuary before it was toote. "Do i look like i know?" Andrew smiled to himself, knowing that no matter how much they argued, they still had each other''s backs. ''We''re like besties hehehe'' As Andrew and L walked through the dark tunnel, Andrew looked around, feeling uneasy. "So dark..." he muttered, his voice echoing slightly in the quiet cave. The air was cold and damp, and the sound of water dripping could be heard in the distance L, walking ahead, was more focused. "Stop looking around, Andrew! If you attract monsters I''ll leave you here." "So mean L!" "Tsk... Wait, Look There''s a light up ahead!" she pointed toward a small glow in the distance. Without waiting for him, she started running toward the light. Andrew''s heart raced as he heard a strange, scary noiseing from deeper in the cave. The sound made him feel more uneasy. "So scary..." he whispered, feeling goosebumps on his arms. The cave seemed darker, and he couldn''t see much around him. Then, Andrew realized L had run ahead and was no longer with him. "L! Don''t leave me alone!" he shouted, feeling a bit of panic. "Wait for me!" He quickly ran after her, not wanting to be alone in the dark cave. As he reached the light, he finally saw the exit. When he stepped out, the bright sunlight made him squint. "Ah!" he groaned, raising his arms to protect his eyes from the harsh light. When he could finally see clearly, he looked around and realized they were now in a wide, open grasnd. There were a few trees, but mostly just greennd stretching out before them. He scratched his head, confused. "Were we underground just a second ago?" he muttered to himself. Everything felt so different now Looking around, Andrew saw other contestants spread out in the grasnd. They all seemed to be looking at the same thing ¡ª arge sign in the distance that marked the center of the sanctuary. Suddenly, a notification appeared in front of Andrew''s eyes. [Congrattions, Participant #602. You have arrived at the Center Sanctuary. Time: 25:33.] Andrew blinked, still surprised. "Wait... we made it already?" he said aloud, still trying to understand what had just happened and noticed some other people. L, already at the sign, waved to him. "Come on, Andrew! Stop standing there and look at the sanctuary!" she called. Chapter 198: Chapter 198: Meeting As Andrew was about to jog over to L, he froze mid-step. His eyes widened when he saw a familiar face across the field. Seojun was standing just a few paces away, looking around with his usual calm demeanor. Without thinking, Andrew grinned and started running towards him, leaving L behind. "Hey! You made it!" Andrew called out, slinging his arm around Seojun''s shoulders as he caught up. Seojun stared at him for a moment, blinking slowly, his expression unreadable. Then, after a brief pause, he spoke in a t tone, "Oh, it''s you." Andrew pulled back slightly, his smile faltering as he pouted. "You forgot me, didn''t you?! My name is Andrew!" he eximed, crossing his arms in mock indignation. Seojun shrugged nonchntly. "Yeah, I just remembered." His eyes flickered down to something at his feet. Andrew followed his gaze and saw a small dark slime sitting at Seojun''s foot, its round body wobbling slightly. "Aww, it''s the slime!" Andrew said, bending down to get a closer look. "This slime is really your familiar? Dang, you must have low mana," Andrew said with a yful grin. "But wow, the Familiar vs Familiar match was amazing! I didn''t know slimes could fight like that." Without waiting for a response, Andrew leaned down, scooping up the little slime. He began squishing it in his hands,ughing as it bounced around. "It''s like a little ball of slime! What''s its name?" he asked, his voice full of amusement. Seojun looked down at the slime for a moment, then said, "His name is Sui." Andrew raised an eyebrow, still holding the slime in his hands. "Sui, huh? Well, you''re lucky to have such a cool familiar." He chuckled, giving the slime onest squish before carefully cing it back on the ground. "But man, it''s really cute!" Sui bounced happily, its eyes sparkling with excitement. "Kyuu! Kyuu!" Andrew grinned at the slime''s antics, then turned back to Seojun. "You know, you''re not so bad after all, Seojun!" He gave Seojun a friendly p on the back. "d we made it here! Now, let''s catch up with L. She''s probably already having a st." As Seojun and Andrew stood in the open field, Seojun nced over at L, who was chatting with some other contestants near the sanctuary sign. "Who''s L?" he asked, Andrew turned, following Seojun''s gaze, and his face immediately brightened. "Oh, her?" He pointed dramatically at L. "That''s L! She''s the one I''ve been hanging out with. Isn''t she cute?" He grinned widely. "She''s a bit of a sadist, though, but still cute, right?" Seojun watched L for a moment, and then, as if a memory clicked, he furrowed his brow. "Isn''t she the one who tamed that deer beast?" he asked, recalling the event from earlier in thepetition. Andrew''s eyes widened in excitement. "Yeah! That''s her! She''s awesome, huh?" He chuckled, then suddenly covered his eyes with his hand, as if shielding them from something. "Wait! Don''t stare at her! She''s mine!" Andrew''s voice dropped a little lower as he leaned in closer. "She''s my crush, so find your own. Seojun blinked, his expression unreadable as he stared at Andrew''s antics. He was quiet for a moment, then spoke calmly, "I''m not interested in her." Andrew''s face lit up with surprise. "Oh?!" He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "You must have a crush on someone, right? Come on, tell me! Tell me who it is!" Seojun couldn''t help but shake his head, feeling both amused and slightly exhausted by Andrew''s enthusiasm. "How energetic¡­" he muttered under his breath. [His annoying host.] Seojun''s system''s voice rang "Kyuuu! But I can feel that he''s a good friend, Master! Kyuu, I like him!" The little slime excitedly said as Andrew is still holding him. Andrew, oblivious to Seojun''s internal thoughts, grabbed Seojun''s arm and started pulling him toward L. "Come on, Seojun! Let''s go say hi! You can talk to herter. She''s really fun once you get to know her!" Seojun allowed himself to be dragged along, sighing quietly but not resisting. As much as he didn''t care to get involved in Andrew''s crush drama, It''s not like Andrew will stop. "Alright, alright," Seojun said, letting Andrew pull him toward the group. "But I''m not interested in her." Andrew grinned,"Good then! Your my bestfriend now!" As Andrew dragged Seojun toward L, Seojun muttered under his breath, "When did I agree to that?" Andrew, grinning like a kid who''d won a prize,ughed. "You can''t do anything about it anymore! Hahaha!" Seojun, shaking his head, sighed. At this point, it was easier to just go along with Andrew''s antics. "Whatever," he murmured, resigned. As they got closer to L, she suddenly turned around, her expression dark. Her fists were clenched, and she red at Andrew. "Hey, what''s with that re?" Andrew asked, raising an eyebrow. "Did your friends say something?" L''s eyes shot fire. "Whose friends?!" she snapped, her voice sharp. "Those are not my friends!" Andrew winced, holding up his hands defensively. "Geez, calm down!" he said, leaning back slightly. "What did they do to you anyway?" "Ha! Why do you care?" L shot back, her re now shifting to Seojun, as if she were sizing him up from head to toe. Seojun felt the weight of her gaze, but didn''t flinch. He wasn''t intimidated by her, "And who''s this now?" L asked, still eyeing Seojun critically. Andrew, clearly excited, grinned and pped Seojun on the back. "This is the guy I was talking about! My best friend, Seojun!" He then grabbed both of their hands and pushed them toward each other. "Seojun, meet L! L, meet Seojun! Shake hands!" Before Seojun could react, L forcefully pulled her hand back, giving Seojun a quick, pointed look. "The guy with a slime familiar? No wonder you''re friends," she said with a scoff, crossing her arms. Seojun raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by her reaction. "Tsk." He said, unable to hide his amusement at how easily L''s attitude shifted. Andrew, oblivious to the tension, grinned even wider. "See? You two are getting along already!" L just rolled her eyes and muttered under her breath, "Whatever." She turned away from them, clearly not interested in ying nice, "Let''s just get this over with." Seojun nced at Andrew, who was happily following L like a puppy. He couldn''t help but think, '' What did he saw to this woman?'' Chapter 199: Chapter 199: A day to rest Seojun looked up and noticed the timer on the screen. It showed TIME''S UP . Suddenly, a loud horn sounded across the field, and everyone turned their heads in confusion. A screen appeared above them, showing Mr. Gideon and Mr. Thomas, both pping their hands with smiles on their faces. "Congrattions!" Mr. Gideon''s voice rang out. "You''ve all arrived on time!" The contestants stood still for a moment, letting the announcement sink in. Mr. Gideon continued, his tone calming. "Now, we''ll give you a full day of rest. You can do whatever you like today. But don''t get toofortable! Thest test will happen tomorrow, so make sure you''re ready." The tension in the air lifted as people began to move around, some stretching, others chatting with relief. Seojun felt his muscles rx a bit, realizing how exhausted he was from the challenges earlier. A whole day to rest sounded perfect. Andrew, always full of energy, pped his hands together. "A whole day of rest! Yes! But we gotta do something fun, right? Maybe explore, or¡ª" L cut him off with an annoyed look. "It''s rest day, Andrew. Not fun day. You can''t just run around all day." Andrew smiled, unfazed. "I''ll rest, but I still want to do something! Anyone wanna join me?" Seojun just shook his head and started walking away from the group. "Ah! Nevermind!" L sighed and rolled her eyes but didn''t argue. Seojun wandered away from the others, not in the mood for any excitement. He just wanted some quiet time to rx The horn red again, signaling the end of the announcement, and the screen turned off. Slowly, the contestants started to move off, each deciding how to spend their rest day. Seojun found a quiet spot under a tree and decided to rest. He sat down and leaned against the trunk, closing his eyes for a moment. As he looked around, he noticed they were in a wide, open grasnd. There were only a few trees scattered here and there, and the bright sunlight made everything seem warm and calm. In the distance, he could see a river gently flowing by. He also spotted something that made him raise an eyebrow¡ªthere was a toilet nearby, like the kind you''d see at a campsite. As he took in the scene, Seojun heard some people whispering nearby, sounding confused. "I thought they''d provide us with rooms to sleep in. Are we supposed to sleep out here?" one voice said. "Maybe they''re hiding the rooms, and it''s a game of ''finders, keepers''?" another voice guessed, "Let''s look around!" someone else suggested. "I hope there''s food too," another voice muttered, their tone anxious. Seojun sighed and leaned back against the tree. It seemed like a lot of people were just as confused as he was. They were probably expecting morefort, or at least something to make the night easier. Closing his eyes again, he felt Sui bounce onto hisp. The little slime settled down, curling up against him, and Seojun let out a small breath of relief. It was peaceful for a moment, and he allowed himself to drift off to sleep. But not for long. A few hourster, Seojun felt someone shaking him. His eyes fluttered open, and he saw Andrew standing over him, looking worried. "What?" Seojun asked, still a little groggy. "We got a problem, Seojun," Andrew said urgently, his voice filled with concern. Seojun blinked and slowly stood up, following Andrew''s gaze. He could hear the murmurs around them¡ªpeople talking about how hungry they were and how cold it was getting now that the sun had set. It was true. Now that it was night, the temperature was dropping fast, and Seojun could feel the chill in the air. He noticed a few people huddling around their fire-elemental familiars, using the mes to cook food or warm themselves. "I don''t think we can just rest like this," Andrew muttered, shivering. "It''s so cold. Those with fire-elemental familiars are so lucky." Seojun looked around. Some people were trying to cook food using their familiars'' mes, while others were simply using the heat to stay warm. But for everyone else, it looked like the night was going to be a struggle. There was no food or shelter, and no one seemed to know what they were supposed to do. "We tried looking around, but we found nothing," Andrew continued. "What are they expecting us to do?" Seojun nced around at the other contestants, many of them now panicking orining. The chill was making everything worse, and theck of food was only adding to the anxiety. Sui, still in Andrew''s arms, made a soft noise. "Kyuu! Kyuu!" It seemed like the little slime was feeling the cold too. Seojun stood still as the cold night air swept through the grasnd. He wasn''t bothered by the cold at all. A few days ago, he had gained cold resistance, so he feltpletely fine. He looked around at the other contestants, some of them shivering, trying to warm themselves with their familiars. Andrew, still feeling the cold, hugged himself and sighed. "I''m tired but i can''t sleep because of this coldness!" heined, looking up at the sky. Seojun wasn''t affected by the cold, but he did feel for his friend. As he looked around, his system spoke to him: [They have provided host! Enough for all of you.] Seojun raised an eyebrow and looked around. "Where is it? Wait, I smell it." he asked quietly. Then he saw something strange. Near a huge tree, there was a strange spot where the ground looked different. He walked closer to the tree. [It''s in there, host.] Seojun touched the tree, and just as he did, the tree began to groan and crack. Suddenly, the tree started falling with a loud bang . Andrew yelped and jumped back, falling on the ground as the tree crashed down. "What the¡ª?" Andrew said, rubbing his back as he got up. The tree didn''t explode, but it broke open to reveal something inside. "A sheet!" someone shouted, amazed. "Look, food!" another person called out. Inside the tree was a bunch of supplies¡ªsheets, cushions, and food. Everyone gathered around, excited. "Looks like everything we need is here," Seojun said. Andrew grabbed some fruit and bread. "Finally, food!" he said with a grin. The others were just as happy, grabbing what they could. Seojun, feeling relieved, sat down. "Looks like we can sleep here," Andrew said, lying down on one of the sheets. "I''m so tired." Seojun nced around. "Rest up. Tomorrow will be tough," he said quietly. Everyone settled in for the night, the cold no longer a problem. They had food, nkets, and enough to get through the night. The worry from earlier was gone, and everyone finally started to rx. Seojun closed his eyes, ready to rest again. '' Don''t disturb my sleep this time.'' The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 200 Humiliation Next Morning... The sun was rising high, casting a warm glow over the barrennd. All 370 contestants were gathered in a deste area covered in rough, rock-hard soil, with several huge rocks scattered around. The morning air was crisp, and Seojun could tell that everyone had been transported here in their sleep. He scanned the group and realized something surprising. The count was the same as yesterday, meaning no one had been eliminated. Standing on a knee-high rock, Andrew stretched and eximed, "Dang, mages are so amazing! Look, we''re all teleported to this ce while we were sleeping!" L gave him a deadpan look, rolling her eyes as she ran a hand through her hair. "Idiot. Didn''t the mages teleport us to that sknd forest before?" "Oh right!" Andrew chuckled as he jumped down from the rock. "I just remembered. Hehehe." L shook her head with an annoyed tsk. "They even took our familiars," she said, clearly irritated. Andrew gave her a teasing look. "Right! I thought you hid my baby!" L shot him a re, and he immediately looked away, mumbling, "I didn''t say anything." ''So noisy,'' Seojun muttered to himself, watching the two bicker. Just then, a shout caught their attention. "Hey!" They turned to see five people approaching them: four men and one woman, all smirking. The one leading the group had a smug expression, and Seojun noticed L clenching her fists, a frown settling on her face. "Looks like you weaklings are gathering together," the lead guy sneered. L stepped forward, but before she could say anything, Andrew raised his hands and put on a friendly smile. "Ah, good morning! Nice weather, right?" he said with forced cheerfulness, trying to diffuse the tension. The woman in the group gave Andrew an unimpressed look. "Save the act. We know you lot barely survived yesterday." Andrew just shrugged with a casual grin. "Well, we''re here now, aren''t we?" The man''s smirk faded, and his eyes narrowed at Andrew''s casual response. With a sharp motion, he shoved Andrew hard, making him stumble back and bump right into Seojun. Andrew steadied himself, rubbing his shoulder as the woman in the group muttered, "Weaklings," with a sneer before turning her gaze back to L. The lead guy, seeing that L was watching them with a tense expression, chuckled. "What''s the matter, L? Still trying to keep up with the rest of us?" L clenched her fists, but she stayed silent, clearly trying not to react. "Oh,e on," the guy continued, a cruel smile spreading across his face. "I mean, it''s not your fault, right? After all, you''re nothing like your sister. She''s got power, respect, and, oh, did I mention a SS-rank goddess familiar? That''s some real strength." The other members of his groupughed, casting mocking nces at L. "She also has a massive mana pool," he added, smirking. "Guess it runs in the family, though it skipped you, huh?" L''s face was tight with anger, but she managed to keep her voice steady. "You know nothing, so shut up." The guy justughed harder. "Touchy, aren''t we? Face it, L, you''re always going to be just the little sister¡ªthe weaker one." L''s hands were shaking slightly, but she didn''t back down. The others in the group keptughing, clearly enjoying the taunts. Seojun watched silently, his gaze hardening as he looked at the group. He could see how frustrated L was, but she was trying her best not tosh out. Andrew, still beside Seojun, clenched his fists, looking like he wanted to say something, but he held back because L is ring at him when he tried to step up. The lead guy sneered again, seeming to relish every word as he continued to humiliate L. As the taunts continued, murmurs started to rise from the surrounding crowd. People began to whisper, their words cutting into the quiet morning air as they eyed L with newfound curiosity. "Isn''t that L from the Arven family?" one person whispered. "Yeah, she''s the weakest one. I heard her family didn''t even want her around, so they sent her off." "Imagine being the only one in your family without any real power. No wonder she''s with the other weaklings." L''s head lowered, her hands clenching tightly at her sides as she tried to keep herposure. Her shoulders shook slightly, but she refused to let her tears fall, knowing that her sister might be watching. Thest thing she wanted was to show any sign of weakness. The guy who had been taunting her smirked wider, his eyes glinting with cruel satisfaction. "See, L? Hanging out with weaklings won''t make you stronger," he sneered. "Maybe you belong here¡ªwith the nobodies." The woman in his group shifted her gaze toward Seojun, looking him up and down with disdain. "Hey, Why are you even here?" she muttered, her voice full of scorn. "A returnee And yet¡­ so weak. Hmph. How useless. You should have stayed wherever you were summoned." Seojun kept his expression calm, but he could feel the weight of their judgmental stares. Soon, other contestants began to recognize him too. "That''s why he looks so familiar!" someone whispered. "He''s that returnee¡ªthe Ford twins friend, right?" "Yeah, but he''s nothing special. Just an F-rank returnee. Compared to the other returnees, he''s pretty pathetic." "An F-rank? Seriously? Why evene back?" Laughter and mocking nces followed, and Seojun could see some people smirking as if he were nothing more than a joke. He stood quietly, listening as the sneers and judgments washed over him, while L''s shoulders remained tense beside him. Their tormentors seemed to feed off the crowd''s reaction, their smiles growing bolder as they continued their mockery. The guy stepped closer, looking between Seojun and L. "Two weaklings, side by side. No wonder you''re both stuck here, wasting space." Seojun met the guy''s gaze with steady eyes, his face calm. Beside him, L took a shaky breath, doing her best to stand tall despite the humiliation pressing down on her. Chapter 201 Her struggle Andrew, seeing how Seojun and L were being mocked, couldn''t hold back any longer. He stepped forward, ring at the bullies. "Enough!" he shouted. "You don''t know anything about them! Just because you think you''re stronger doesn''t mean you can treat people like this!" The crowd fell silent for a moment, but then someone startedughing. One of the bullies pointed at Andrew, sneering. "Oh, look who''s talking! You, with that weak little centipede as a familiar?" The others snickered, and the lead guy smirked, crossing his arms. "Isn''t your familiar just a baby centipede? That thing''s so small it can barely be seen. What''s it going to do, crawl on us?" "Yeah," another added, snickering. "A centipede that small will never grow bigger. It''s one of the weakest beasts you could have. Almost useless." More people in the crowd started whispering, throwing mocking nces at Andrew. "Isn''t his familiar only the second weakest kind of beast? How sad." "Yeah, he''s got the little finger-sized centipede. Not even close to a real monster." Andrew''s face turned red with embarrassment, but he stood his ground, clenching his fists. He looked at Seojun and L, who were still holding back, staying calm in the face of all theughter. One of the bullies shook his head, chuckling. "Three weaklings, all together. It''s no wonder they''re sticking together." The crowd burst intoughter again, louder this time, and Andrew could only stare down, struggling to find words to defend himself and his friends Suddenly, a wave of intense heat filled the air, and in a sh, the lead bully''s hair was on fire. He let out a loud yell, pping at his head, while his friends panicked, rushing to help him. "Put it out! Put it out!" one of them shouted, trying to fan the mes, but it only made things worse as they stumbled around in chaos. The other participants backed away, looking startled, and just then, a voice broke through the noise "Enough!" it boomed, carrying a powerful authority. Everyone fell silent as they turned toward the source of the voice. A tall figure stood there, mes dancing in his hand as he red at the bullies and everyone else. "All of you, Shut up!" he snapped. His tone held a threat, and the other participants quickly looked away, avoiding his gaze out of fear. The bullies, still shaken and humiliated, moved back from L, but not without ring at her. The lead guy mouthed at her, "You''ll fall down deeper." L red right back, her eyes narrowed, refusing to show any fear. Andrew, meanwhile, let out a sigh of relief, grateful that it seemed to be over. He turned to the person who had set the bully''s hair on fire, giving a weak smile. "Thanks for helping us out there," he started, but the guy cut him off. "Help you?" he scoffed, rolling his eyes. "I didn''t do it for you. I just couldn''t stand the noise. You weaklings were just as annoying." Andrew''s smile faded, his face falling as the guy continued. "Do you think I care about you three? Don''t tter yourselves," he said, blowing out the mes in his hand with a bored expression. Seojun stayed silent, watching the guy with calm eyes, while L clenched her fists again, holding back any response. Andrew looked down, feeling embarrassed and unsure, realizing that this "help" wasn''t kindness at all He then walked back to his own group, ignoring everyone else. Andrew, still a bit rattled, moved closer to L and whispered, "Who''s that rude guy? Do you know him?" L''s face showed a hint of irritation. "I don''t know his name, but he''s one of the top three here. He made a contract with an S-rank beast¡ªthe Skyre Mane Lion." Andrew''s eyes went wide. "Ohh! So he''s amazing! No wonder those guys shut up when he shouted," he murmured, impressed. Then, an awkward silence settled between them. Unsure of what else to say, Andrew nced at Seojun, who stood quietly, his expression unreadable as he stared into the distance. Andrew then noticed L was also looking at something. He followed her gaze and saw a woman with a high ponytail. Her hair was a lighter shade of green than L''s darker tone. She sat on a rock, carefully wiping down a sleek, elegant bow with its fine curves and glowing designs. "Who''s she?" Andrew asked curiously. L sighed, her face tightening. "She''s my older sister, Miya Arven. The current top one here." Andrew hesitated, then asked softly, "Is it okay to ask what happened? Are those things they were saying about you true?" L''s face hardened, and she turned away, her voice cold. "I don''t want to talk about it, Andrew. Please¡­ just leave me alone." Without another word, she walked off, putting distance between them. Andrew''s heart sank as he watched her go. He thought, '' Does she still not trust me?'' He couldn''t help but feel hurt. '' After all this time, she still keeps me out.'' His mind spun with doubt, and he felt like he was failing as her friend. '' I just want to be her friend, Damn. Is she pushing me away? Annoyed at me? Come on. Why my mouth keep talking? I must have cross the line.'' Andrew sighed. Just then, Seojun''s calm voice broke through his thoughts. "Don''t take it personally." Andrew looked at him, confused. "Ha?" Seojun continued, his voice steady. "L isn''t pushing you away because she doesn''t trust you. She just¡­ needs time. The things people say about her¡ªthey''re painful. She''d rather keep it to herself than let others see her hurt." Andrew took a deep breath, realizing Seojun was probably right. He nodded slowly, feeling a little reassured. "Yeah¡­ maybe you''re right. I''ll give her space. But I won''t give up on being her friend," he said, determined. Seojun gave him a slight nod, and the two stood in silence, watching L from a distance as she walked away, both understanding a bit more of her struggle. Then, therge screen appeared above the group, and a few floating cameras zoomed into view, swaying slightly as they moved around, capturing everyone from different angles. The participants looked up, noticing the cameras floating close to them, clearly broadcasting to the screen above. On the screen, Mr. Gideon appeared with a cheerful smile. His voice boomed, "Attention, everyone! Rest day is over! Starting now, all cameras are back, and everyone watching at home can see you again." "Now! LET''S THE FINAL TEST BEGIN!" The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 202 Its not the easiest for us Mr. Gideon''s cheerful voice boomed across the field, silencing the whispers and chatter among the participants, He smiled down at them. "Congrattions to the 370 of you who made it this far!" he announced, pping his hands together. "You''ve proven your resilience, strength, and determination. But now, we''re at the FINAL TEST!" The participants looked at each other, some murmuring in excitement, others in apprehension. "The final test is simple!" Mr. Gideon continued, his smile widening. "In fact, it''s the easiest one yet!" Murmurs broke out instantly among the crowd: "Easiest? What does he mean?" "This must be a trick, right? No way the final test is actually easy." "Maybe it''s a battle royale?" Mr. Gideon raised his hand, calling for silence. "Before I exin the test, you need to form groups of five! Choose wisely, as your sess depends on teamwork." The murmurs grew louder. Participants began scrambling to form groups. Friends grabbed friends, and strong contenders looked for others with equal power. Andrew grabbed Seojun by the sleeve and pulled him closer to L, who stood with her arms crossed, ring at the frantic crowd. "This is bad," Andrew muttered, scanning the chaos around them. "They''re all avoiding us." L snorted, clenching her fists. "Good! Who needs them? We can handle this on our own," she said loudly enough for others nearby to hear. The group of bullies from earlierughed as they huddled together, whispering. Their leader smirked, throwing a mocking nce at L and her friends. "Let''s just wait until there are only two people left," Seojun said calmly. He sat down on a small rock, pulling out an apple from his pocket and taking a bite as if he had all the time in the world. Andrew sighed, sitting beside him. "Guess we don''t have a choice but to wait." As they waited, Andrew turned to Seojun. "If we''re 370 and group into five. Then the total groups are... Hmmm" he started counting and Seojun muttered "74 groups" "Really? Wait you''re right. Damn so many anyway Seojun, what do you think this ''easiest'' final test is about? Any idea?" Seojun didn''t respond, focusing on his apple. Before Andrew could press him, L cut in sharply. "Are you an idiot? Why would you even ask him? How would he know?" Andrew scratched his cheek, looking awkward. "Uh, yeah, I guess you''re right¡­" It was clear that L was still upset, her irritation spilling into every word. Andrew decided not to say anything else, and the three of them sat in silence, watching the other participants scramble for teammates. Few minutes passed, and all the groups had been formed. Andrew looked around, noticing that their group was still iplete and said, "I''ll go look for the two," and left. L sighed and nced at Seojun, who was still calmly sitting on the rock, eating his apple. Without a word, she turned and walked off in a different direction to find the remaining members. A few minutester, Andrew returned with a woman following behind him, her expression cold and unweing. At the same time, L came back with a man, who also seemed less than thrilled to join them. The two new members clearly didn''t want to be part of their group. They kept quiet, avoiding eye contact with Andrew, L, or Seojun. Andrew tried to break the silence, smiling nervously. "So, um, what''s your name¡ª" Before he could finish, both of them shot him icy res. Startled, Andrew immediately shut his mouth and looked down, embarrassed. The two then turned their attention to Seojun, who nced at them with a cold, piercing gaze. They immediately looked away, feeling a strange pressure in the air. The woman whispered to the man, "Did you feel that too brother?" The man, who appeared to be her brother, nodded. "Yeah, but I''m fine now. That was¡­ weird." The woman nced back at Seojun, her thoughts racing. ''Did he do that? But how?'' ''It''s must be someone doings, It''s impossible for him to do that'' The man thought. Suddenly, arge screen appeared above them, and Mr. Gideon''s cheerful face filled the disy. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, and he smiled as though he were enjoying the tension. "Now that everyone has their groups, let''s get started with the final test!" His booming voice silenced the murmurs among the participants. As he spoke, another screen appeared beside him. It showed three marbles in different colors: blue, red, and yellow. "For this test," Mr. Gideon continued, "your goal is simple. Each group must find one blue marble, one red marble, and one yellow marble. Once your group has all three marbles, you''ll pass. But there''s a catch¡ªyou must have these marbles in your possession before sunset. If you don''t, your group is eliminated." Murmurs broke out among the participants. "So we just have to find some marbles? Sounds easy." "But where are they? They must be hidden somewhere¡­" "What if another group has the marbles we need?" One of the bullies from earlier raised his hand. "Mr. Gideon! Can we snatch marbles from other groups?" he asked with a sly grin. The crowd erupted into louder murmurs. "Snatch? Is that allowed?" "This could get messy¡­" "Of course he''d ask something like that." The bully turned to L and smirked, his grin full of malice. L muttered under her breath, "Bastard." Mr. Gideon''s smile didn''t falter as he raised a hand for silence. "You may use any means necessary to get the marbles," he said, "but there is only one rule: no killing each other." The murmurs grew louder, filled with mixed emotions. "No killing, huh? That still leaves a lot of options¡­" "What if someone targets me? I can''t fight someone stronger!" "Ha! No one''s going to snatch my marbles. They''d regret trying!" Andrew frowned, feeling a dark atmosphere spreading among the participants. "This is definitely not the easiest test for us," he said quietly, sensing the ill intent radiating from some of the stronger groups. Meanwhile, the siblings in their group exchanged worried nces. The man muttered, "Why did we end up with this group?" The woman groaned softly. "We''vee this far, and now we''re stuck with them? We''re doomed!" Their frustration was clear, but there was no way out. The test had begun, and the only way to survive was to work together¡ªor so they thought. Chapter 203 ill Intent Andrew stood quietly, frowning. His mind was filled with worry. "A lot of people will try to steal our marbles," he thought. He looked at L, who stood with her arms crossed, looking strong. ''L is strong, but if we get ambushed, it''s over.'' Next, he looked at Seojun, who leaned against a rock, looking calm. ''I don''t know what Seojun can do. I shouldn''t expect much from him.'' Then, Andrew nced at the siblings. The brother and sister stood together, not saying anything. ''Can we count on them? Will they even help us protect the marbles?'' Andrew clenched his fists and closed his eyes tightly. ''And me? What can I even do? I only got this far because of L. I''m sorry, sisters. Oni-chan isn''t like Sir Thomas.'' Seojun noticed Andrew''s worried face. With a sigh, he stood up and put his hand on Andrew''s shoulder. Andrew jumped in surprise and looked at him. "We will pass this," Seojun said calmly. Andrew smiled weakly and shook his head. "Thanks for saying that, Seojun, but it''s no use," he said sadly. Then, he looked at L. ''If we fail, will this be thest time I''m with L? Will we still be friends after this?'' L felt Andrew staring at her and turned to re at him. But she froze when she saw his genuine smile. Her cheeks turned slightly red, and she quickly looked away, muttering, "What''s wrong with him?" Suddenly, glowing magic circles appeared under each group. The ground lit up with bright light. Mr. Gideon''s voice echoed loudly. "The test begins now!" he said. "Each group will be teleported to a random ce. Your job is to find three marbles¡ªone blue, one red, and one yellow." The glowing circles grew brighter as Mr. Gideon kept talking. "The marbles are inside beasts scattered across the area. Since the participants this time is interesting, Word clues [Beast]" He paused and gave a clue. "Follow the trail of light and listen for the roar. Good luck!" The cameras turned off, and the magic circles shed. In a blink, Andrew''s group disappeared. They reappeared in a thick forest. The trees were tall, and the sunlight barely reached the ground. L looked around quickly, her eyes sharp. "We''re separated," she said with a frown. Andrew blinked. "Separated? From who?" "From the other groups,Of course" L replied, annoyed. "We''re alone here." Seojun took a deep breath, looking calm as he scanned the area. "Let''s go," he said simply, walking ahead without waiting. The siblings exchanged nervous looks. Andrew hesitated but followed after Seojun. L sighed and followed too, muttering, "This is going to be a disaster." Meanwhile, The guy that bullying L walked through the forest with his group, a confident grin on his face. The tall trees cast shadows, but he didn''t seem bothered. His focus was clear, and his arrogance filled the air. "Beast? Is that even a clue?" one of his group members asked, scratching his head. "Idiot," another guy said with a smirk. "It means the marbles are in the beast, Inside or out." "Oh¡­" The first guy looked confused but didn''t say more. "Tsk." The woman in the group clung to the bully''s arm, her voice turning sweet. "Anyway, darling, do you have a n?" she asked, batting her eyshes at him. The bully smirked, looking down at her. "Don''t waste too much effort. We don''t need to search for beasts. We''ll find L''s group and take their marbles," he said, his grin widening. "Will they even find any marbles?" the confused guy asked. The bully''s grin grew sharper. "I know L. She''s stubborn. She''ll do whatever it takes to find the marbles. Once she has them, we''ll take them from her." The woman clinging to him pouted, pulling back slightly. "Why can''t you let her go? Why do you keep chasing her?" she said, clearly irritated. He suddenly grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her against a tree. Before she could react, he kissed her passionately. She froze for a moment but then responded to the kiss, her irritation fading. After a few seconds, he pulled back, his grin returning. "I''m not chasing her, darling. I''ve moved on. It''s about teaching her a lesson for." His voice turned colder, more dangerous. "What do you mean?" the woman asked, her tone softer now. The bully''s eyes darkened, his grin turning wicked. "If I can''t kill her, then making her useless is enough. A broken arm, a crushed leg¡ªshe won''t be able to fight anymore. That''s all I need to ruin her." The group fell silent, some of them exchanging uneasy nces. "Darling¡­ is that really necessary?" the woman asked, her voice trembling slightly. He turned to her, his grin still in ce. "What? You''re scared now? Didn''t you say you''d follow me no matter what?" She quickly shook her head. "No, I''m with you. I just¡­ didn''t expect this." "Good," the bully said, his tone sharp. "Now, let''s move. We''ll find her soon enough." As they continued walking, his mind was filled with cruel ns. "L, you''ll regret ever standing up to me," he thought, his grin never leaving his face. "And once I''m done with you, no one will ever look at you the same way again.You''ll regret cheating in me with my bastard brother," Seojun''s group walked through the forest, scanning their surroundings for any sign of beasts. It had been several minutes, but there was nothing¡ªno marbles, no beasts, just endless trees and silence. "Are we even going the right way?" Andrew muttered, ncing at Seojun, who walked calmly at the front. "Who knows," L replied sharply, clearly annoyed. She was starting to feel frustrated. "This group is useless. It''s been minutes, and we''ve found nothing. And now¡­" Behind them, the woman in their group was breathing heavily, her face pale. She leaned against her brother, struggling to keep up. "I need a break," she whispered. Her brother frowned and nodded. "Let''s rest for a moment," he said, helping her sit on a fallen tree trunk. He pulled out an inhaler and handed it to her. She used it quickly, taking deep breaths to calm herself. L turned around and red at them. "Are you serious? We''re wasting time!" she snapped, crossing her arms. "Hey, she''s tired!" the brother shot back, his tone defensive. L scoffed, looking away. "This is just great. They''re going to hold us back." Andrew hesitated, watching the tension rise. He decided to step in. He walked up to L, his expression serious. "Uh, L?" "What?" she asked, her tone sharp. Andrew hesitated. He had wanted to talk about something important, but seeing her frustration, he quickly changed his mind. "Um¡­ I was thinking, why don''t we make a n?" he said awkwardly. L sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Fine. Do you have any suggestions?" Andrew brightened up and started listing ideas. "What if we split up into pairs? Or maybe we set up a trap for the beast? Oh, or we could climb a tree to get a better view¡ª" Seojun, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Splitting up is a bad idea. If one pair is attacked, the others won''t be able to help in time." Andrew blinked. "Oh, right. Then maybe the trap idea?" "And what happens if the beast doesn''t show up? We''ll waste time waiting," Seojun said calmly, looking at Andrew. Andrew scratched his head. "Well, climbing a tree could¡ª" "Climbing a tree makes you an easy target. If another group sees you, they could ambush us," Seojun interrupted, his tone matter-of-fact. Andrew sighed, feeling defeated. "Then¡­ what should we do?" Seojun looked at him for a moment, then turned to L. "We keep moving. The marbles won''te to us. And if we meet another group, we avoid them. Fighting wastes energy." L nodded, her expression softening slightly. "Fine. Let''s go." She nced at the siblings. "Are you done resting?" The brother helped his sister stand, and she gave a weak nod. "I''m fine now," she said quietly. "Good. Let''s move before we fall too far behind," Seojun said, already walking ahead. The group followed, tension still hanging in the air, but with a clearer n in mind As the group continued walking through the forest, the ground beneath them suddenly began to shake. The trembling was subtle at first, but then it grew stronger, making leaves fall from the trees. "W-What''s happening?" Andrew stammered, trying to keep his bnce. The ground shook violently, and the woman in their group fell to her knees, grabbing onto her brother for support. "What the heck?!" the brother shouted, helping her up. "Is this an earthquake?! Seriously, now?!" Seojun stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing. His expression turned serious as the shaking intensified. "Climb the trees! Now!" Seojun shouted, his voice sharp andmanding because if not they''ll not listen immediately. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!